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Have You Bought Into These Arthritis
Myths?
by David Silva
Myth 1: Exercise doesn't help arthritis, and in fact
makes the condition worse.
Fact: Proper exercise performed on a regular basis is an important part
of arthritis treatment, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Twenty
years ago, doctors advised exactly the opposite, fearing that activity
would cause more damage and inflammation. However, not exercising causes
weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality, say rheumatologists,
who now routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest.
Three main types of exercises are recommended:
Range-of-motion ... moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and
then stretching it a little further to increase and maintain joint mobility,
decrease pain, and improve joint function. These can be done at least
every other day.
Strengthening ... using muscles without moving joints to help increase
muscle strength and stabilize weak joints. These can be done at least
every other day, unless there is severe pain or swelling.
Endurance ... aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling
to strengthen the heart and lungs and increase stamina. These should be
done for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, unless there is severe
pain or swelling.
Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.
Fact: While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age,
arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Nearly three of every
five sufferers are under age 65. Conversely, some elderly people never
develop arthritis.
Myth 3: Arthritis is nothing more than minor aches and pains.
Fact: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating. Many forms of arthritis
or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without
specific treatment. Others, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may
be quite serious and may affect the body's internal organs as well as
the joints.
Arthritis already affects more than 42 million Americans in its chronic
form, including 300,000 children. By 2020, CDC estimates that 60 million
people will be affected, and that more than 11 million will be disabled.
Myth 4: A warm climate will cure arthritis.
Fact: Arthritis occurs in all parts of the world. Many people do notice
that a difference in the weather can cause their arthritis to flare, but
for most people, moving to a different climate does not make a big enough
difference to justify moving.
Myth 5: Knuckle cracking will give you arthritis.
Fact: There is no clinical evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis
in the fingers or the hand. Studies of people with osteoarthritis in their
knuckles show they are no more likely to have cracked their knuckles earlier
in life than people who did not develop the condition. However, the bad
news is that there is some evidence that people who habitually crack their
knuckles have decreased hand function, such as reduced ability to grip
tightly.
Myth 6: Drinking milk prevents arthritis.
Fact: Drinking milk does not prevent arthritis. This myth is often attributed
to confusing osteoarthritis with osteoporosis, a condition that can be
reduced by drinking milk and taking regular weight-bearing exercise. A
person with osteoporosis gradually loses bone material so that his or
her bones become more fragile. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and
tear of life. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints
and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased
function.
For More Information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Mail Stop K-45
4770 Buford Highway, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30341-3717
770-488-5131
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/
National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
301-226-4267
1-877-22-NIAMS (toll-free)
http://www.nih.gov/niams/
Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30359-0669
1-800-283-7800
http://www.arthritis.org
American College of Rheumatology
Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345
http://www.rheumatology.org/index.asp
About the Author
About Arthritis Today
http://aboutarthritistoday.com
Resources
Information on this
site is intended for informational purposes only and not to be a substitute
for a advice from a physician or other medical professional. You should
not use the this information contained here for diagnosing or treating
medical problems or diseases. If you suspect a medical problem, contact
your physician. These statements or this website have not been evaluated
by the FDA.
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