Approximately 53 million adults in the U.S. have some form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That is about one out of five, and even though an abundance of accurate information about the disease is available, many people continue to believe arthritis myths that have survived for decades.
Most people with arthritis go through life feeling they have to put up with the pain and discomfort of the disease, according to John P. Sullivan, MD.
“But it’s not true,” Dr. Sullivan says. “There are many myths that affect how people deal with their arthritis pain.
“For instance, people think they shouldn’t be physically active. In fact, the opposite is true. Activity makes you feel better. Sitting for long periods of time is one of the single worst things you can do,” Dr. Sullivan adds.
“You know how, after you’ve left your car parked for several weeks and go to start it for the first time, it’s creaky and stiffer to handle? The same thing happens to an inactive body.”
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center states that regular physical activity plays a major role in the management of arthritis. It can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain.
“Another myth is that arthritis is considered a normal condition,” says Dr. Sullivan. “In fact, it is common but not normal. There is a genetic component. Sports injuries can be a contributing factor [and diet can play a part], but it is not inevitable that you’ll get arthritis as you age.”
Age and obesity do increase the risk of developing arthritis, but neither of them is necessarily a determining factor.
Another myth: “Some people believe arthritis isn’t serious,” says Dr. Sullivan. “In fact, it is serious. Not being able to move freely affects us in many adverse ways, including limiting the ability to work and enjoy life.
“If you’re getting ready to run an errand and realize you left your car keys upstairs, the pain of climbing the stairs may cause you to cancel the trip and stay home instead.”
The Arthritis Foundation explains that doctors have long known that people with inflammatory forms of arthritis have an increased risk of infections, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
This increased risk can be caused by the disease itself, medications taken to treat the disease, and a variety of other health and lifestyle factors.
“Admitting you have pain isn’t a weakness of character,” explains Dr. Sullivan. “Some people think that because it’s found so frequently, those with arthritis should tolerate their pain out of respect for those who deal something more serious.
“But pain is pain. If you feel it, don’t just put up with it.”
In fact, Brown University Health says it can be downright dangerous to ignore your arthritis pain. People often feel that pain is a normal part of aging, but untreated arthritis pain can cause additional problems, such as:
- A more sedentary lifestyle. Joint pain worsens if it is not addressed, interfering with your ability to perform regular, everyday activities, such as walking, bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, driving and even sleeping.
- Increased risk of falls. Pain in a joint can reduce your mobility and balance, increasing the risk of falls.
- Higher risk of fractures. Fractures more readily in older individuals and often result from falls. Since the risk of falls increases with pain, so does your risk for broken bones.
“People mistakenly believe that there aren’t a variety of treatments available for arthritis,” says Dr. Sullivan. “But times are different than they used to be when there was a dearth of treatment options. We now have many effective medications and other tools to help you find relief from pain.”
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the list includes:
- Analgesics to ease mild to moderate pain.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which relieve pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids, sometimes called steroids or glucocorticoids, reduce inflammation by acting like your natural hormone cortisol.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), which are used to slow or stop the inflammation that causes your joints and disease to get worse.
- Biologics that work very well for many people with RA and other forms of inflammatory arthritis – though side effects can be severe for others.
“People don’t think that what they eat affects their arthritis,” Dr. Sullivan continues. “But foods have inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Mass General Brigham Hospital says the best anti-inflammatory foods for joint pain includes beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables; green tea and coffee; herbs and spices; seafood; poultry, eggs and dairy products; healthy fats; and unprocessed whole grains.
Foods that may worsen inflammation include fatty deli or lunch meats; fried foods; low-nutrient, highly processed foods; meats high in saturated fat; refined sugar; and white starchy foods such as white bread and white rice.
“Perhaps the most damaging myth is that people believe their arthritis will go away on its own with an aspirin, says Dr. Sullivan. “Sticking your head in the sand doesn’t make it go away. But taking some of the advice we’ve shared in this article will help you live with your arthritis with less pain.”
Dr. John P. Sullivan, MD, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He received his MD degree from New Jersey Medical School, completed his surgery internship and received a degree in Orthopedic Surgery at State University of New York, and has an Orthopedic Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University. He is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Sullivan works at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, with locations at 1715 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, 13000 U.S. 1, Suite 5, Sebastian, and 5151 Babcock St. NE, Palm Bay. Call 407-643-1234 to make an appointment.
