Why rheumatoid arthritis pain may persist even when inflammation is under control

From sciencedaily.com

Pain and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis can persist even after inflammation improves, with depression, poor sleep, obesity, smoking, and chronic pain potentially helping sustain symptoms. Researchers say identifying these hidden drivers could prevent unnecessary medication changes and lead to more personalized treatment

Researchers at Semmelweis University say persistent rheumatic symptoms may be driven by more than inflammation alone. Sleep disorders, depression, obesity, smoking, and other health problems may also help keep symptoms going. In publications in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology, the team also introduced a model designed to help doctors identify the underlying causes of symptoms earlier and tailor treatment more effectively.

The researchers examined how depression, smoking, obesity, sleep problems, and other health conditions are connected with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. In Hungary alone, it affects tens of thousands of people. Most patients respond well to treatment, but 6-28 percent fall into the so-called "difficult-to-treat" group because they do not achieve lasting remission despite therapy.

According to the studies in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology, these additional health problems may do more than simply occur alongside rheumatoid arthritis. They may also contribute to keeping symptoms active.

Rheumatoid arthritis pain may sometimes persist because of hidden cycles involving sleep, depression, obesity, smoking, and chronic pain, not inflammation alone. Credit: Shutterstock

A Vicious Cycle of Pain, Mood, and Sleep

Pain and depression, for example, can reduce physical activity, contribute to weight gain, and worsen both sleep and mood. Those changes can then intensify pain and make daily activities more difficult, creating a difficult-to-break "vicious cycle."

The researchers also developed a new model that could improve care for patients whose rheumatoid arthritis remains difficult to manage. Under the widely used "treat-to-target" approach, doctors regularly track measurable indicators of disease activity. If inflammation is not reduced enough, treatment is adjusted, such as by increasing the medication dose or switching to another drug.

The team argues that this same approach can also serve as a kind of "early warning system." If measurable signs of inflammation improve but symptoms remain, that may indicate the pain or fatigue is not being caused solely, or perhaps at all, by ongoing inflammation.

Looking Beyond Inflammation

"When target values improve but the patient still suffers from pain and fatigue, it is worth taking a step back. In such cases, instead of automatically prescribing more medication, doctors should look for what is maintaining the symptoms - whether it is chronic pain syndrome, depression, sleep disorders, or obesity," said Dr. György Nagy, head of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Semmelweis University.

The researchers say they have seen this approach improve outcomes in difficult-to-treat patients. In many cases, it may also strengthen the doctor-patient relationship by focusing treatment more closely on what is actually driving the patient's symptoms.

A Model With Growing International Influence

The team's model has gained substantial international attention. Publications that introduced the concept of "difficult-to-treat" disease and the related treatment strategy have already been cited more than a thousand times by other researchers.

The definition is now used worldwide not only for rheumatoid arthritis, but also in discussions of other diseases.

AI Could Help Personalize Treatment

The researchers are now looking toward the next stage of the work. Alongside their own studies, they plan to participate in projects that use artificial intelligence to develop more effective treatments for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

"With AI-based pattern recognition, we could identify subgroups among patients, and with the help of these data we could create more effective, almost personalized treatment strategies for them," explained Dr. Lilla Gunkl-Tóth, PhD student at Semmelweis University and first author of the publications.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260925093208.htm

Cracking your knuckles: Can this common habit really cause arthritis?

From futura-sciences.com

It's a sound that divides offices, living rooms, and family gatherings: the unmistakable pop of knuckles cracking. Some find it strangely satisfying, others grimace and warn, "You'll get arthritis!" But is there any truth to this old wives' tale, or is it just a well-popped myth?

Where Does the “Crack” Come From?

© Yura Yarema, Adobe Stock

Let’s face it, cracking your knuckles is about as commonplace as checking your phone when you wake up. You pull or bend a finger until that memorable “pop” occurs, and like clockwork, someone reminds you it’ll harm your joints. This belief is nothing new—it’s been around as long as, well, knuckle cracking itself. But according to current studies, the idea doesn’t really hold up.

Let’s clear up some terms first: scientific studies have specifically looked at a link between habitual knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis—the gradual wear and tear of a joint—not all forms of inflammatory arthritis that exist. That distinction is important, because the mechanisms and risks can be quite different.

The Science Behind the Snap

The noise doesn’t come from bones “jumping” or rubbing against one another. The joints in question are filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that helps your fingers move smoothly. When you rapidly pull the joint surfaces apart, the pressure inside that fluid drops, and a gas bubble forms. In 2015, researchers observed this phenomenon in real time using MRI in the base joints of the fingers (the metacarpophalangeal joints, for those who love a word bigger than their hand). The cracking sound lined up exactly with the sudden appearance of this gas cavity, which lingered briefly after the sound faded. In other words, nothing actually “breaks” inside your finger—the sound is just a quick, harmless physical event inside the joint fluid.

Not All Cracks Are Created Equal

This is pretty different from pain related to joint inflammation or injury. A voluntary crack—typically painless—shouldn’t be confused with spontaneous pain or discomfort you might suddenly feel in a joint or muscle. Your fingers are attached to bones, but the noise comes from inside the joint, not from bones grinding each other down. By itself, that snap doesn’t mean your cartilage is eroding, despite what your grandmother (or every roommate ever) might believe.

What Do Studies Say About Arthritis Risk?

The most frequently cited study on this topic compared 215 people aged 50 to 89 years, with and without X-ray evidence of hand osteoarthritis. Researchers looked at not just whether participants cracked their knuckles, but also how often and for how many years. The verdict: people who cracked their knuckles weren’t any more likely to develop osteoarthritis, and there was no connection with the total number of cracks over a lifetime.

A 2018 review came to the same broad conclusion: available studies—most of them observational—haven’t found any association between knuckle cracking and developing osteoarthritis. This doesn’t prove the risk is absolutely zero, since there aren’t many studies out there and most are dated. But today, there is no solid evidence to support the idea that this common habit triggers the disease.

However, if a cracking sound happens with pain, swelling, warmth, movement restriction, or after an injury, that’s another story. These symptoms can have a variety of causes and should be distinguished from the harmless, voluntary “pop.”

Given what we know, painless knuckle cracking is more likely to irritate those around you than it is to wreck your joints—or your future as a concert pianist. For now, there’s no proven link between habitual knuckle cracking and arthritis. Crack on (quietly) if you must!

https://www.futura-sciences.com/en/cracking-your-knuckles-can-this-common-habit-really-cause-arthritis_900303/

A New Study Links Everyday Foods to Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

From mensjournal.com

Medical experts break down how your daily food choices directly impact joint stiffness and unexpected autoimmune flare-ups 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful inflammation, swelling, and potential bone damage. The inflammation can also damage other parts of the body as the immune system turns against its own tissues. While there is currently no cure, a recent review published in Nutrients reveals a direct link between what you eat and the symptoms you experience.

Changing your diet cannot replace conventional rheumatoid arthritis medications like DMARDs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, but adjusting your daily meals can help manage systemic inflammation and improve overall well-being.

“The study suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from an eating pattern that provides more omega-3 fats and antioxidant-rich nutrients, while limiting an excess of omega-6 fats,” says Jamie Schwartz, RD, LDN, who was not involved in the study. “In practical terms, that could mean putting foods such as fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, along with walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds on the menu regularly. Colourful fruits and vegetables, which provide nutrients such as carotenoids and vitamin E, are also consistent with the study’s findings.”

The Simple Foods That Worsen Joint Pain

The review also found that eating high amounts of processed carbohydrates and added sugars can actively worsen inflammation throughout the body. Using an anti-inflammatory eating plan works as a supportive, complementary tool alongside standard medical care to boost your daily quality of life.

However, while food choice helps reduce inflammation, it is crucial to recognize that diet will not replace medical treatments altogether. There is currently no evidence that changing your meals can safely take the place of disease-modifying medication.

How to Tell If a Specific Food Is Triggering Your Flares

Pinpointing individual food triggers can be tricky because RA flare-ups stem from many different culprits beyond food sensitivities. Factors like rising stress levels, sudden illness, and poor sleep can all cause symptoms to spike.

“To determine if certain foods are difficult to digest for you, and therefore trigger a flare, keep a food and symptom record, but make sure you track everything that you are feeling,” says Alexia Beauregard, MS, RD. “How are you sleeping? What is your stress level, and how are you managing your stress? Do you feel like you are getting sick with something like a cold? Another option is to eat a very simple, basic diet for one or two weeks of food that is easy for you to digest.”

Beauregard suggests choosing a calm week when your life is predictable, and you’re not sick, to test foods you suspect are problematic. Food sensitivity reactions are dose-dependent, meaning you might need to eat the food several times over a few days before your body reacts.

Why Food Choice Is a Powerful Companion, Not a Magic Cure

At the same time, keep your expectations grounded regarding what diet can prove. Eating an anti-inflammatory meal plan is a supportive lifestyle choice rather than an instant remedy for painful flare-ups.

“The study actually doesn’t establish food sensitivities as a cause of individual flares. It found correlations between overall nutrient intake and measures of disease activity at a single point in time, says Schwartz. “Because it was cross-sectional, it cannot establish that eating a particular food caused inflammation to rise or fall. The authors themselves call for randomized controlled studies to establish whether dietary changes actually produce these effects.”

The ultimate takeaway is that filling your plate with anti-inflammatory whole foods supports your overall health and can help calm systemic inflammation, but your prescribed treatments remain the primary defence against joint damage.

Sources

• Deseatnicova, E.; Covaliov, E.; Deseatnicova, O.; Siminiuc, R.; Rezus, E.; Groppa, L. Impact of Nutritional Diet Therapy on Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity. Nutrients 2026, 18, 517. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030517

https://www.mensjournal.com/health/new-study-links-everyday-foods-to-rheumatoid-arthritis-flares

Saina Nehwal’s arthritis diagnosis: How years of competitive sport can impact body

From indianexpress.com

The former Olympic medallist recently opened up about retiring because of arthritis. An orthopaedic surgeon explains why elite athletes may develop arthritis early, the warning signs to watch for and how to stay active after diagnosis

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal recently spoke candidly about how arthritis brought her illustrious badminton career to an end. During an interview with Hauterrfly, when asked, “When you retire because of arthritis, it must be so hard for you,” the former Olympic medallist reflected on life after stepping away from competitive sport.

“It hurts a lot, you know, when you play some sport for 25 years. Every day is like a challenge; you have to fight, you have to just give your best. So it feels like life has become a little easier, and how do I make it even tougher every day? So that becomes a challenge,” she said.

Arthritis is often viewed as a condition that affects older adults. But can years of high-intensity training, repeated impact and sports injuries cause joints to wear out much earlier? Dr Sanjeev Jain, Chief of Orthopaedics (HOD) & Joint Replacement Surgeon, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explains.

                                                     Saina Nehwal on artritis diagnosis (Photo: Instagram/nehwalsaina)

Can years of competitive sport lead to arthritis at a younger age?

According to Dr Jain, the answer is yes—especially for elite athletes whose joints endure years of repetitive stress. “Certainly, it can. Because of their years of training, competition and vigorous movement, elite athletes subject their joints to repeated stress.”

Sports that involve frequent jumping, sudden changes in direction and repetitive impact can gradually damage the protective cartilage inside joints.

“Sports which include a lot of jumping, frequent changes in direction and heavy impact can slowly deteriorate the cartilage,” he explains.

The risk rises significantly if an athlete has previously sustained serious joint injuries. “The risk is even greater if the athlete has already suffered ligament injuries, meniscus tears or fractures since these conditions can change the way the joint functions and accelerate cartilage damage,” he adds.

However, Dr Jain points out that arthritis is not inevitable. “While not all athletes go on to develop arthritis, a long sporting career together with past injuries can lead to osteoarthritis appearing earlier than would be expected.”

What are the early warning signs athletes shouldn’t ignore?

According to Dr Jain, arthritis often begins subtly. “The first signs are usually mild and can easily be regarded as just normal aches.”

He says athletes and physically active individuals should watch out for:

* Persistent joint pain
* Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
* Swelling around the joint
* Reduced flexibility
* Clicking or grinding sensations
* Pain that returns during activity
* Longer recovery after training sessions

“Some athletes also find that their recovery time after training is longer than it used to be,” he adds.

Ignoring these symptoms can delay treatment. “When joint pain lasts for several weeks, keeps coming back, hampers performance or is accompanied by swelling or instability, it is important to see an orthopaedic specialist. Early diagnosis may help in slowing down the progression and in maintaining joint function,” he explains.

Does arthritis mean you have to stop exercising?

Dr Jain says remaining active is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis and maintain joint health. “Receiving a diagnosis of arthritis doesn’t mean that one has to stop exercising. On the contrary, remaining active is one of the best methods for keeping your joints in good condition.”

The focus, however, should shift from high-impact activities to joint-friendly exercises. “Instead of concentrating on high-impact activities, you should turn to exercises that are kind to the joints, such as swimming, cycling, walking, yoga and strength training under supervision,” he explains.

Increasing the amount of muscle surrounding the joint in question helps to improve stability and lessens pain. He also recommends combining exercise with other lifestyle measures.

“Weight management, physiotherapy, wearing good footwear and making changes to the way you are active are also important factors. The aim is to stay active while at the same time protecting the joints, not to entirely avoid movement,” he adds.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/saina-nehwals-arthritis-diagnosis-how-years-of-competitive-sport-can-impact-body-10816299/ 

Air pollution linked to spikes in rheumatoid arthritis activity and flare risk

From medicalxpress.com

A study shows that exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter like dust, soot and smoke (PM2.5), is associated with increased disease activity and flare risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The findings from an article in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) underscore the importance of health care providers and policymakers recognizing its impact on RA management.

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage, and widespread systemic symptoms can affect other parts of the body beyond the joints. Globally, it affects about 0.5% to 1% of the adult population. Many factors contribute to the development of RA, such as genetics, immune system changes and environmental exposures. These environmental factors may play a critical role in both the onset and exacerbation of RA; importantly, many are modifiable. Smoking is one of the well-established risk factors, while climatic factors, such as air temperature and humidity, and certain pollutants, like silica, have also been implicated.

Previous epidemiological studies have shown an association between air pollution and an increased risk of developing RA. A team of investigators in South Korea conducted research to evaluate the effects of air pollution on disease activity and flare occurrence in patients with established RA and explore its underlying mechanisms.

Credit: Sun Hwan Shim

Editorial sees broad implications

In an accompanying editorial, Jeffrey A. Sparks, M.D., M.M.Sc., of the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity at Mass General Brigham / Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, comments, "This is one of the largest studies to use robust methods to link air pollutants with RA disease activity. Considering rising levels of air pollutants, these results have significant clinical, biological and public health implications."

"They also further reinforce that inhalants may have broad implications for risk and progression of RA and perhaps other autoimmune diseases. From a clinical perspective, this may offer avenues to lower the risk of RA flares by avoiding poor-quality air and provide some potential explanation for otherwise idiosyncratic RA flares."

Tracking pollution against clinic visits

This prospective cohort study tracked 1,070 patients with RA across 12,583 real-world outpatient visits over four years (2021–2024) at a major South Korean medical centre. Air pollution exposure was estimated using monthly concentrations of six major air pollutants (sulphur dioxide, SO2; nitrogen dioxide, NO2; ozone, O3; carbon monoxide, CO; particulate matter with a diameter of 10 µm, PM10; and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm, PM2.5), which were matched with disease activity and flare outcomes longitudinally recorded at each outpatient visit.

The statistical analysis was adjusted for demographic characteristics, serologic status (the presence of specific antibodies typical for RA in the blood), medication use, socioeconomic factors and meteorological variables. For a sensitivity analysis to better control for time-invariant confounding and avoid potential reverse causation inherent in the monthly analysis, investigators applied a case-crossover design using daily air pollutant concentrations preceding each visit. They used conditional logistic regression to assess changes within the same patient.

Fine particles stood out

"Our study found that higher PM2.5 concentrations were associated with increased disease activity and flare risk, particularly with prolonged exposure to elevated PM2.5 over more than two weeks," explains lead investigator Eun Bong Lee, M.D., Ph.D., of the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The investigators identified PM2.5 as the key contributor to increased RA disease activity. Because these microscopic particles are smaller than red blood cells, they can easily travel from the lungs into the bloodstream, circulating to distant organs. They can then trigger the overproduction of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing cellular stress, damaging DNA and sparking inflammatory responses in organs.

Questions beyond one population

Lee concludes, "Our study has important implications for public health policymaking. While further studies are warranted to determine whether improving air quality can reduce disease activity in RA patients, we recommend that these patients avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality, particularly high PM2.5 levels."

ARD Editor-in-Chief Josef Smolen, M.D., of the Medical University of Vienna, adds, "As always, this paper underwent thorough peer review, and it was nice to learn that all reviewers agreed on the importance and interest of these findings. Nevertheless, we should be aware that the observations pertain to the studied Korean population, with a specific genetic background and under specific environmental circumstances.

Whether these data hold true in other regions of the world should be a focus of future investigations. However, it is an excellent starting point for our better understanding of factors that may play a role in influencing disease activity and therapeutic responses of patients with RA. And it is an important wake-up call. The environment is likely an essential contributor to pain and inflammation in the patients for whom we care."

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-air-pollution-linked-spikes-rheumatoid.html#google_vignette 

Think Arthritis Is Only for Seniors? Obesity Is Changing the Rules

From timesnownews.com

Authored by: Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Obesity increases joint stress and inflammation, raising the risk of early-onset arthritis. Losing weight can reduce pain and improve mobility

For decades, arthritis was considered a condition that mainly affected older adults. However, doctors are now seeing a worrying trend - more people in their 30s and 40s are developing early-onset arthritis, with obesity emerging as one of the biggest risk factors. While genetics, injuries, and aging still play important roles, carrying excess weight can significantly accelerate joint damage and increase the risk of chronic pain much earlier in life.

Why does obesity increase the risk of arthritis?

According to Dr. Rajesh Chandra, Consultant – Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, obesity affects joints in two major ways: through mechanical stress and chronic inflammation.

“Every extra kilogram of body weight increases the pressure placed on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, ankles, and lower back. During everyday activities like climbing stairs or standing up from a chair, the force on the knees can be several times a person's body weight,” said Dr. Chandra. Over time, this repeated stress wears down cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions joints and allows pain-free movement.

As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin rubbing against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Obesity triggers inflammation too

The damage isn't caused by excess weight alone.

Body fat is metabolically active and releases inflammatory proteins known as cytokines. These chemicals contribute to long-term inflammation throughout the body, increasing joint damage and worsening arthritis symptoms. This inflammatory effect also explains why obesity-related arthritis may affect joints that do not carry body weight, including the hands.

                                                         Obesity May Be the Hidden Reason Arthritis Strikes Earlier

Younger adults are increasingly at risk

Doctors are becoming increasingly concerned about rising obesity rates among children, teenagers, and young adults.

When excess weight begins in adolescence, joints remain under continuous stress during their developmental years. As a result, some individuals experience chronic knee pain and arthritis years - even decades - earlier than previous generations.

Orthopaedic clinics are reporting a growing number of patients under 40 seeking treatment for joint pain that was once considered a disease of older age. “Someone who has carried excess weight since adolescence may begin experiencing knee pain or early arthritis decades before it was once considered typical. That shift is becoming harder to ignore in everyday practice,” said Dr. Chandra.

How arthritis affects daily life

Early-onset arthritis is more than occasional joint discomfort.

Persistent pain often discourages physical activity, creating a vicious cycle. Reduced movement weakens muscles that support the joints, leading to further instability and pain. Many people begin avoiding walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even household chores. Over time, arthritis may reduce work productivity, disturb sleep, and negatively affect mental health due to limited mobility and chronic discomfort.

Can weight loss help?

The encouraging news is that obesity is one of the few arthritis risk factors people can change. Research shows that losing just 5 to 10 per cent of body weight can significantly reduce knee pain, improve joint function, and decrease pressure on weight-bearing joints. “Even modest weight loss reduces the force placed on knees with every step, providing meaningful long-term benefits,” Dr. Chandra added.

Best exercises for painful joints

Many people fear exercise will worsen arthritis, but complete rest usually makes symptoms worse. Doctors recommend low-impact activities that strengthen muscles without overloading joints, including:

• Walking at a comfortable pace
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Water aerobics
• Physiotherapist-guided strengthening exercises

These activities improve flexibility, muscle strength, and overall joint function while minimizing additional stress.

When should you see a doctor?

Don't ignore persistent joint pain simply because you're young. Seek medical advice if you experience knee pain lasting several weeks, morning stiffness, swollen joints, difficulty climbing stairs, and reduced range of motion.

Early diagnosis and treatment can slow arthritis progression, relieve symptoms, and help preserve mobility.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/think-arthritis-is-only-for-seniors-obesity-is-changing-the-rules-article-155227899

No, arthritis isn’t just an old person’s problem: Five common myths busted

From stuff.co.nz

More than 850,000 New Zealanders live with arthritis, but despite how common it is, plenty of myths and misconceptions remain.

We asked Arthritis New Zealand Mateponapona Aotearoa to bust five of the most common myths it hears every day.

                                                                                                                     Photo: 123rf

Myth 1: Arthritis is just part of getting older

False.

‘Oh, arthritis? That’s just something only old people get’ – right? Wrong, and I should know. In my early 40s (shut up, that’s not old), I got a severe form of reactive arthritis from a food bug. You can read about my ‘fun’ journey here.

Sure, osteoarthritis becomes more common as we age, but there are more than 140 types of arthritis, including mine. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children, teenagers and young adults.

Bottom line: Arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Myth 2: If my X-ray shows arthritis, that's why I'm in pain

Not necessarily.

An X-ray gives you a snapshot of what the bones in your joints look like, but it doesn’t necessarily show the whole picture.

Arthritis NZ says that in some cases, people can have significant changes on an X-ray but experience very little pain, while in others, there may be severe pain despite only minor changes showing up on an X-ray.

X-rays are a piece of the puzzle, but healthcare professionals look at the person and their symptoms as a whole, rather than relying on an X-ray alone.

Bottom line: Treat the person, not just the X-ray.

Myth 3: Gout is caused by eating rich food and drinking too much alcohol

False.

Not everyone will know that gout is a form of arthritis. It develops when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, often because the kidneys aren't removing enough uric acid from the body. Genetics also play a major role.

While certain foods and alcohol can trigger attacks – such as beer, sugary food and drinks, liver, some meats and seafood – they aren't usually the underlying cause.

Thankfully, gout, although painful, is also highly treatable. Urate-lowering medication can help prevent attacks and protect the joints.

Bottom line: Gout can be effectively managed.

Myth 4: Exercise wears out your joints if you have arthritis

False.

A particularly bad bout of reactive arthritis for me came during Christmas one year. I could hardly walk without screaming in pain, but my partner, later husband, decided to buy me a Fitbit. The irony was dripping as I put it on my wrist.

But he was actually right – appropriate exercise can reduce pain, strengthen muscles and help maintain joint function.

Don’t push through pain, but find movement that works for you. Long-term inactivity won't help – it can lead to weaker muscles, stiffer joints and potentially more pain.

Bottom line: Movement can be one of the best ways to manage arthritis.

Myth 5: Osteoarthritis is just 'wear and tear'

Not anymore.

In the past, osteoarthritis was described as joints simply wearing out with age and use. Not now – we know it’s more complex than that.

Arthritis NZ describes it as a “whole-joint condition involving cartilage, bone, muscles and inflammation”.

“While age and previous injury can increase the risk, staying active, strengthening muscles and managing symptoms early can help people continue living well with osteoarthritis.”

Bottom line: Osteoarthritis is more complicated than simply "worn-out" joints.

Bonus: Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis

False.

The cracking sound comes from changes involving gas within the fluid that lubricates your joints. There's no evidence that regularly cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/health/361010099/no-arthritis-isnt-just-old-persons-problem-five-common-myths-busted