Arthritis is a condition that causes joints to become inflamed and stiff resulting in pain and loss of mobility. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to estimates, OA affects more than 500 million people, while RA, though less common, affects up to 1% of the population. Even though arthritis is common, it is still very poorly understood, and consequently, people fall prey to many myths surrounding it. Some of the top arthritis myths debunked:
Arthritis Affects Only Older People
While it is true that older people are more likely to have arthritis, it can affect people of all ages. According to the CDC, while 92.9% of people in the age group 45 years and older have been diagnosed with arthritis, 7.1% of the reported cases involve younger people. It is also common to find RA afflicting people in the age bracket of 20-40 years.
All Joint Pain Is Arthritis
Most people equate joint pain with arthritis; however, it is not true as you can have joint pain for many other reasons like bursitis, tendinitis, and injuries. It is also not necessary that any joint pain you experience will progress to arthritis later on.
If You Have Arthritis, You Should Not Exercise
If you have painful joints due to arthritis, it is natural for you to want to avoid exercising for fear of making it worse. However, it is well established that regular exercise can help people with arthritis maintain joint strength and range of motion. A top Lakeland Pain control clinic confirms the findings of the American College of Rheumatology that people with arthritis can benefit in several ways by exercising like less pain, better day-to-day function, improved sleep, and more energy. To visit this reputed pain clinic follow the map
.You Should Not Consume Nightshade Vegetables
There is a longstanding belief that consuming nightshade vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc., can worsen the symptom of arthritis. However, doctors confirm there is no evidence to support this view. However, including vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, oil fish rich in omega-3, beans, nuts, and seeds with anti-inflammatory properties can benefit people with arthritis.
Heat Is Better For Pain Relief than Cold
Many people think applying heat to sore joints is a better way of getting relief from pain than applying a cold compress. However, it is not borne out by evidence as you can get relief in both ways. While heat can reduce the stiffness and pain in the joints and muscles, cold packs can help reduce the inflammation of the joints. Many people report getting good results by applying heat before starting their exercise routine since it loosens stiff joints and by using an ice pack after exercise to counter any increase in swelling.
Conclusion
Even though arthritis is widely prevalent, you can do various things to prevent it or slow down its progress. Reducing body weight, quitting smoking, protecting joints against injury, and adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine can help. You should not believe you cannot prevent arthritis and there is nothing you can do if you have been diagnosed with arthritis.
