Empowering Patients and Raising Awareness: Interview With Experts for World Arthritis Day 2025

From rheumatologyadvisor.com

The theme for World Arthritis Day 2025 is “power of dreams,” which embodies the goals and hopes that drive individuals with arthritis to forge ahead

With its establishment in 1996, World Arthritis Day was intended to raise global awareness of arthritis as a public health issue. Organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation offer patient resources and information on the impact of arthritis while also celebrating the strength and resilience of affected families and individuals. International rheumatology organizations — including the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) — host campaigns to help achieve their goal of advocacy for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Their theme for World Arthritis Day 2025 is “power of dreams,” which embodies the goals, hopes, and visions of individuals with arthritis. World Arthritis Day is an integral part of furthering scientific research, medical education, and disease awareness.

To gain further insight on the role of providers in enhancing care, as well as promoting awareness and understanding of how patients can prioritize and be empowered to take charge of their bone and joint health, we spoke with experts Melanie Smith, MD, PhD, and Francis Keefe, PhD. Dr Smith is an attending physician in the Division of Rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and an assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York. Dr Keefe is a professor in psychiatry and behavioural sciences, psychology and neuroscience, medicine, and anesthesiology and a member of the Duke Cancer Institute at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

                                                                                                                                   Credit: Getty Images

How can clinical practices, by addressing barriers in rheumatology, play a role in guiding patients towards seeking early care for their symptoms, which has been associated with better outcomes, lower health care costs, and higher quality of life?

MS: One of the issues we have in rheumatology is overall awareness of rheumatologic conditions and the role of the rheumatologist, such as educating the general population, partnering with primary care providers (PCPs), and offering referrals to other specialties. Because autoimmunity may have a genetic component, families should be educated about symptoms that need evaluation in the future. In addition to these factors, misinformation leads to a delayed diagnosis. It is important for providers to dispel myths to encourage patients to seek early care and enhance their quality of life.

Providers should discuss important patient values and preferences and build achievable goals around them. This value-based approach can potentially encourage patients to engage in meaningful activities, which can improve the impact of the care they receive.

FK: Rheumatology is a tertiary care discipline. A significant time may have passed by the time a patient with arthritis visits a rheumatologist. Patients often work with their PCP and see a rheumatologist only for a consultation, once or twice a year. Rheumatology evaluations and assessments need to be focused on the disease process while simultaneously understanding how symptoms are affecting patients’ lives. Although pharmacotherapy has been the mainstay of arthritis treatment, the risk for medication side effects must be considered. Even with optimal medical management, patients still face challenges. In addition, management of pain — by both providers and patients — is important for achieving optimal quality of life.

What should clinicians consider in terms of screening practices to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management?

MS: We discuss with PCPs about their role in referring patients in a timely manner or encouraging patients to seek care and get a second opinion from a rheumatologist. For inflammatory arthritis (IA), it is important to refer a patient with joint swelling that lasts for more than 2 days and morning stiffness for at least 60 minutes. It has been observed that PCPs often emphasize laboratory values, but many of our patients have normal values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, negative rheumatoid factor, and negative cyclic citrullinated peptide, and still have IA. This results in a delayed diagnosis. Clinical diagnoses for rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are dependent on joint examinations and other factors, not only on blood tests.

FK: If we think about a patient population that often doesn’t get referred to a rheumatologist until later in their disease trajectory, it is those with social determinants of health (eg, low income or living in a rural areas) that increase the risk for delayed treatment. Because of costs, some individuals with osteoarthritis may wait until the pain is intolerable and only then seek referral to specialists.

Persistent pain and other arthritis symptoms also tend to affect psychologic well-being. Screening questionnaires can help [clinicians] identify problems and understand the impact of symptoms on quality of life. Many PCPs already use pain and depression screening tools not only to get a sense of disease severity, but also to understand the impact of a disease on quality of life. Rheumatologists also need to incorporate these tools in their practice to understand the disproportionate impact of pain on daily life to improve and encourage self-management.

While pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of arthritis treatment, the addition of lifestyle interventions is shown to be effective for patients with rheumatic disease. Are patients routinely counselled on incorporating lifestyle changes? Is there evidence for their effectiveness?

MS: Most patients with IA report benefit from being active; so, exercise is commonly recommended at my practice. To improve adherence to exercise regimens, providers and patients together can discuss the form of activity that patients enjoy and increase the frequency. If patients do not engage in regular physical activity but have their joint inflammation under control with medications, we refer them to physical therapists to start a weight training or cardiovascular fitness program to avoid risk for injury. Another consideration is the important role of a healthy diet and supplementation with calcium and vitamin D for optimal bone and joint health.

What steps can health care providers take to empower patients to be proactive in their joint health?

FK: Living with arthritis means accepting that pain and other symptoms will persist but realizing you can still have a meaningful life. Providers should discuss important patient values and preferences and build achievable goals around them. This value-based approach can potentially encourage patients to engage in meaningful activities, which can improve the impact of the care they receive.

MS: The most important way to empower patients in this regard is enabling them to stay active by recommending regular exercise and healthy sleep habits. Patients with IA should be counselled on a case-by-case basis regarding improving their joint health. Another important aspect is getting patients the help they need; for example, referrals to physical therapists for an exercise program or to address disease-related postural issues. I believe that helping patients with their psychologic health could make them empowered to take control of their arthritis symptoms as well.

Can you highlight the role of collaboration with different specialties (eg, psychiatry/psychology) and other stakeholders (eg, patient advocacy organizations) in enhancing care and achieving optimal patient outcomes?

FK: Arthritis self-management can be thought of as occurring along a spectrum. At one end is a self-directed approach in which, through experience, patients learn a variety of strategies they can use to manage their arthritis symptoms. At the other end of the continuum is formal self-management training programs, often led by professionals (eg, nurses and psychologists) that systematically teach patients coping strategies for managing arthritis symptoms, such as relaxation, goal setting, mindfulness-based meditation, and problem solving. Training in self-management is widely available through community groups, self-management classes, arthritis programs designed for patients and peers, books, handouts, and other community-based resources.

Apart from this, many rheumatologists provide education about self-management when they give interactive talks in the community about arthritis, such as at nursing homes and communities of older adults. Further, referral for formal training in self-management becomes critical when patients have severe depression or pain, which significantly affects their quality of life. Embedding psychologists into primary care settings where providers are being trained to identify symptoms and provide timely referrals for formal training in self-management is increasingly being seen as valuable to health care systems. Specialists in self-management have developed collaborations with organizations, like the Arthritis Foundation, and this collaboration has been instrumental in increasing access to accurate and timely self-management materials for patients. Educating patients about the importance of a comprehensive care model that combines specialist care with self-management is beneficial.

MS: Many of the conditions of IA co-occur with other systemic diseases. For example, some patients with IA have comorbid inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis, with rheumatologists working closely with gastroenterologists or dermatologists. Some patients have other organ involvement and then we work closely with those specialists, like pulmonologists or nephrologists. We also work with mental health professionals, based on patients’ symptoms. Rheumatology is multidisciplinary, and as rheumatologists we must be team players to get the best care for our patients. Advocacy organizations play an important role in education. At HSS, we have social work departments with various support groups for patients with a new diagnosis or established RA. We encourage patients to connect with this network.

With women forming a major part of the rheumatic disease population, how can their care be more informed in terms of creating awareness and offering resources?

FK: Research shows pain severity differences between men and women. Our team has worked with women with arthritis and their pain, and related coping mechanisms. We found that women vs men are more active in their coping strategies, are more likely to prefer involving others in their coping efforts (ie, as “communal copers”), and adopt a greater variety of approaches. It may be important to explore the social context here, such as asking women about family responsibilities, self-care techniques, and social activities — all of which are very important and help to avoid setbacks.

MS: There are specific considerations for patients who are women. One is for patients with childbearing potential or who are interested in being pregnant — a situation which changes the way providers think about contraception, treatment, and disease management. We have discussions with patients about their preferences and care plans. In the disease diagnosis stage, some women with arthritis symptoms during postpartum or [when] entering menopause have misdiagnosis of their condition because of overlapping symptoms. Further, new mothers may not necessarily put their health first and ignore symptoms (it is a common time in a woman’s life to have an autoimmune disease). Another important aspect is that IA is a risk factor for osteoporosis, which especially affects postmenopausal women. Providers should advise patients to receive bone density scans for preventable fractures.

https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/features/world-arthritis-day-2025-interview-with-experts/ 

October 12 Is World Arthritis Day

From arthritis.org

This day spotlights the strength, resilience and shared experiences of the arthritis community 

ATLANTA (August 22, 2025) — October 12 is World Arthritis Day. Established in 1996 to raise global awareness of arthritis, World Arthritis Day is a time to build awareness of arthritis as a serious public health issue. The Arthritis Foundation commemorates this special day to spread the word about the far-reaching impact of arthritis and to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals and families who live with arthritis every day. 

Although arthritis is among the most common diseases in the world, people can be unaware of its potent physical, emotional and economic impact. Often, its impact is overlooked or downplayed as “inevitable” with old age. World Arthritis Day is an opportunity to change that misconception — to shine a light on this painful disease and drive action for better care, better treatments and a better future.

The Impact of Arthritis

Arthritis is often called an “invisible disease” but the toll it takes on patients is all too real and easy to see when one becomes aware of basic arthritis facts, including:

·       1 in 4 adults have been diagnosed with arthritis by a health care provider.

·       90% of those living with arthritis say pain interferes with their daily lives.

·       Two-thirds of adults with arthritis are younger than 65 and are likely to deal with arthritis pain at work. 

From osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to juvenile arthritis and lupus, these conditions limit mobility, disrupt daily life and carry significant emotional and financial burdens. Years of patient-reported data tell us that people with arthritis are concerned with six key areas of life that arthritis can directly affect:

1. Managing Pain
2. Emotional well-being and mental health
3. Nutrition
4. Medical outcomes
5. Struggles of daily living
6. Access to health care — insurance, medications, doctors 

The Arthritis Foundation provides arthritis information and resources to help patients manage their disease so they can live their best possible life. Patients gain knowledge from experts who partner with us to deliver webinars, the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast and at in-person events across the country. Through our Connect Groups, patients find support and build new relationships with peers who are also on an arthritis journey. 

This World Arthritis Day, we salute the millions of adults, children and caregivers living with arthritis each day.

https://www.arthritis.org/news/press-releases-and-statements/world-arthritis-day-2025

Health and Wellness: Top 5 arthritis myths that keep people in pain

From eu.seacoastonline.com 

If you or someone you love is living with arthritis — then you already know how frustrating it can be. Daily tasks become harder, favourite activities fall by the wayside, and you may start to wonder: “Will things ever get better?” 

Even worse, many people living with arthritis fall victim to misguided advice. Let’s look at five of the most common myths about arthritis management — and shed some light on what you can actually do instead.

Myth 1: “There’s nothing you can do — it’s just part of getting older.” 

This is one of the biggest and most damaging myths of all. 

While it’s true that arthritis becomes more common as you get older — and it’s considered a normal part of aging — it doesn’t mean you have to live with chronic pain or disability. In fact, many people with visible (even advanced) arthritis on X-rays and MRIs are living active, healthy lives with minimal to no pain at all. 

Research supports this. A 2015 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that more than 30% of adults over 60 had radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis — but only a portion of them had symptoms. In other words, just because your joints show signs of “wear and tear” doesn’t mean you’re doomed to pain. 

The real issue is how you move — and how you use your joints. Strategic exercise, strength training, and natural therapies can drastically improve your mobility and reduce pain — regardless of your age or what your imaging says. 

Doing nothing, on the other hand, is one of the worst things you can do. 

Myth #2: “You should rest and avoid activity to protect your joints.” 

If your joints hurt, don’t move them — right? That might make sense if you have an injury that requires an initial rest and healing phase. But that’s not the case with arthritis. When you avoid movement in an arthritic joint, you actually worsen your symptoms. 

Too much rest leads to stiff joints, weakened muscles, and poor circulation — all of which contribute to more pain and less function over time. Movement helps lubricate joints, strengthen muscles, and prevent further degeneration. 

I’m not sure why this myth is still so common — especially when just about every major orthopaedic organization (including the CDC and the Arthritis Foundation) agrees that regular, low-impact physical activity is one of the best things you can do for arthritis. 

The key is doing the right kind of movement. So if you're struggling, work with an expert who can help you figure out the proper, targeted activity your body needs. But whatever you do — don’t fall for this myth. 

Myth #3: “If your joint is bone-on-bone, surgery is the only option.” 

Hearing the phrase “bone-on-bone” from your doctor can feel like a death sentence for your joint. And the typical recommendation? Joint replacement surgery. 

But what if I told you that “bone-on-bone” isn’t always the actual reason for your pain — and that you’ve got options beyond a major procedure like surgery? 

The first thing to understand is that what shows up on your imaging (like X-rays and MRIs) doesn’t always match up with your symptoms. A 2018 study in BMJ Open found that nearly half of people with severe osteoarthritis on imaging had little to no pain. And many people with significant joint pain showed only mild arthritic changes on their images. 

Translation? “Bone-on-bone” isn’t necessarily the root cause of your problem. I’ve seen many people with this diagnosis successfully avoid major surgery and keep their original parts far longer than they thought possible. 

When faced with this kind of diagnosis, the best thing you can do is pause — and explore your options. Surgery will always be there if you need it. But don’t rush into it or assume it’s your only option. 

Myth #4: “Cortisone shots and medications are the best way to manage arthritis.” 

Cortisone shots may provide short-term pain relief for arthritis — but they don’t actually fix anything. Worse, repeated cortisone injections have been shown to damage cartilage and accelerate joint degeneration over time. 

One study published in JAMA (2017) showed that patients receiving cortisone injections for knee arthritis had worse cartilage loss at two-year follow-up than those who received a saline placebo — despite experiencing no significant difference in pain relief. 

NSAIDs (like Advil) and prescription pain medications can also help dull pain, but they come with side effects — and, just like cortisone, do nothing to address the root cause of your symptoms. 

If you're relying on medication or repeated cortisone shots just to get through the day — or to delay surgery — it’s time to explore options that promote natural healing instead of just masking symptoms. 

Shockwave Therapy and EMTT are two non-invasive regenerative therapies that do exactly that. These cutting-edge technologies enhance your body’s natural healing processes by targeting inflammation and tissue damage at the cellular level. And while more research is still needed, promising clinical evidence suggests these therapies may actually help reverse — or significantly delay — the progression of arthritis. 

Do your own research — and be open to natural, forward-thinking treatment options that support your long-term joint health. 

Myth #5: “Arthritis means you’ll never get back to the activities you love.”

This is one of the most heartbreaking myths — and it’s simply not true. 

I’ve worked with countless clients who believed their days of hiking, gardening, traveling, or playing with grandkids were behind them — only to regain full function and freedom after following a personalized treatment plan. 

And while surgery sometimes is the best option — especially if you’ve waited until your arthritis has become advanced — there’s a lot you can do to improve your outcome. Working with a specialist to build strength and prescribe targeted movement can make recovery faster and easier. 

Plus, emerging research shows that using regenerative therapies like Shockwave and EMTT both before and after surgery may help accelerate healing and improve long-term outcomes. 

Managing arthritis is absolutely possible when you take a natural, proactive, and personalized approach. You just need the right plan — and the right team to guide you. 

Final thoughts

Arthritis is real — but don’t let myths and outdated advice keep you stuck. If you're not sure where to start — or feel like you've already tried everything — speak with someone who specializes in mechanical pain and natural joint care. Often, the most effective solutions are the ones no one has told you about yet. 

Dr. Carrie Jose, Physical Therapy Specialist and Mechanical Pain Expert, owns CJ Physical Therapy & Pilates in Portsmouth. To get in touch, or request a seat in her upcoming Masterclass: “The Truth About Arthritis – Why Pills, Rest, and Surgery Aren’t Your Only Options.” - visit www.cjphysicaltherapy.com 

https://eu.seacoastonline.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2025/05/23/health-and-wellness-top-5-arthritis-myths-that-keep-people-in-pain-carrie-jose/83812990007/

Tips to gardening with arthritis

From tribtoday.com

By Eileen Novotny

When I began going to water exercise class years ago, I would often hear someone in the group telling others that “Arthur” came to visit or was back. I soon realized that they were not talking about an unwelcome visiting relative but experiencing joint pain from one of the more than 100 conditions of the joints from which over 27 million American suffer.

Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, swelling and heat in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, back, etc. Yuk. Not what I wanted to hear.

Even when Arthur comes back, we need to counter that pain with one of the great jobs in life that is proven to lift our spirits and bring us mindfulness. Getting outside to work in the garden is one of the joys in life and arthritis can prevent that.

The Arthritis Foundation has several resources that give tips on gardening with arthritis as does the Ohio State University OhioAgrAbility site. I have incorporated several of these tips in my vegetable and perennial gardening and can vouch for them — they work and help me enjoy gardening even more.

Stooping causes pain, so finding a way to bring the garden closer to you is important. The key is discovering new ways and adapting and adjusting.

I have a raised planter box, which is perfect for raising herbs and one or two tomato plants. I have a rolling work seat that my husband found. Positioning it next to the raised bed relieves the stress on my back and knees. I plant in containers, both ceramic and fabric grow bags that I place on rolling dollies that enable me to move them with minimal bending and effort.

Several OSU Master Gardener Volunteer friends have recommended joint-friendly tools, some long-handled for easy reaching and some easy-to-grip hand tools that lessen the stress on your hands and wrists. A little research on the internet or at your local garden shop will help you get the best possible choice for your situation.

This winter is a great time to do the research, make the orders, or make hints to your loved ones of things you need to keep gardening.

Gloves are a life-saver. I cannot say enough about wearing gloves to protect delicate skin from cuts and scratches and possible infections. Consider gloves with a bit of padding in the fingers and the palm to help distribute pressure and improve your grip.

Do some gentle stretching before you begin your gardening to loosen your joints and prevent injury. Hydrate, hydrate and take frequent breaks.

Ready now to head out to your garden for some great pain free exercise that is good for the body, mind and soul?

Find out more about tools and design at http://go.osu.edu/easiergardening .

Download a guide for you or others at https://go.osu.edu/arthritisgardening .

Novotny is an Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.

https://www.tribtoday.com/life/lifecovers/2024/01/tips-to-gardening-with-arthritis/ 

Arthritis myths we all need to stop believing

From theportugalnews.com

Many people assume arthritis is just an ‘old person’s’ disease, and an inevitable part of getting older. 

Try telling that to the parents of toddlers impacted by the condition, or the 20-somethings living with it.

“One in six people live with the pain, fatigue, and disability arthritis can cause. The impact can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently,” says Deborah Alsina, chief executive at the arthritis support charity Versus Arthritis.

“There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding arthritis, but by shining a light on the reality of living with arthritis day in, day out, we can help grow understanding and inspire people to take action.”

Dr Amara Ezeonyeji, consultant rheumatologist from The Lister Hospital adds: “Arthritis is a general term that refers to a group of over 100 different types of inflammatory joint diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, but it can also cause stiffness, swelling, and decreased joint mobility.”

She says the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often associated with wear and tear of the joints. Other common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints; psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis which primarily affects the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae; and gout, which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and often affects the big toe.

“There are several myths about arthritis that are often repeated. It’s important to dispel these to promote an accurate understanding of arthritis, and to encourage those affected to seek appropriate medical care and support from a rheumatologist,” Ezeonyeji adds.

Here, Alsina and Ezeonyeji debunk nine common arthritis myths…

Myth 1: Arthritis only affects the elderly

While it is more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.

Myth 2: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis

People who crack their knuckles will sometimes be wrongly warned that it’ll bring on arthritis, but Ezeonyeji explains: “There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to the development of arthritis. When people crack their knuckles, they experience a release of pressure in the joints and relaxation in the surrounding muscles. It can make the joint feel more mobile and is unlikely to cause arthritis or other problems.”

Credits: PA; Author: PA;

Myth 3: It’s just wear and tear

Alsina says one of the most damaging myths is that any form of arthritis is just ‘wear and tear’.

“Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and will affect half of us by age 70. But it isn’t an inevitable part of ageing – your joints are not like car tyres destined to wear down and be replaced. They are made of complex living tissue that our bodies constantly repair and maintain, and osteoarthritis occurs when our bodies can no longer do this effectively,” she says.

“Our joints get stronger the more we use them, so keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep osteoarthritis under control.”

Myth 4: Cold damp weather causes arthritis

Although cold and damp weather can sometimes make arthritic joints feel worse, it’s definitely not why arthritis starts. Ezeonyeji explains: “Weather can influence joint discomfort, but it doesn’t cause arthritis. Arthritis is primarily a result of genetic and environmental factors.”

Myth 5: Exercise makes arthritis worse

People with arthritis can often find it hard to maintain regular physical activity, but a lack of movement can actually increase symptoms such as stiffness and pain, warns Alsina. “Building activity into your daily routine can help improve this, because using your joints builds muscle strength and improves the blood supply, all of which can ease symptoms and keep joints in better shape for longer.”

She says different activities will suit different people, but adds: “Swimming and cycling are great exercises to try, as they get the body moving without putting pressure on painful joints.”

It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you.

Credits: PA; Author: PA;

Myth 6: Arthritis is just joint pain – it’s not serious

Ezeonyeji says that while arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to joints,” she points out.

Myth 7: There’s no treatment for arthritis

While there’s no cure for arthritis, Ezeonyeji says there are many effective treatments for managing the disease, including pain relief medication, physiotherapy, disease-modifying agents and biological drugs for inflammatory arthritis, plus joint surgery in some cases.

“It’s also recommended that people with arthritis modify their lifestyle and try to lose weight [if they need to], follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking,” she adds.

Myth 8: Miracle cures can make arthritis disappear

Although some people with arthritis believe copper or magnetic bracelets ease symptoms, Alsina says studies show no evidence to support this. “It’s the same with lots of supplements, and some of these are really pricey,” she observes. “Interestingly though, placebos can be very effective and continue to work even if you know it’s a placebo, so if you find these helpful there’s no reason to stop.”

Myth 9: Certain foods definitely help/hinder arthritis

There are claims that foods like tomatoes can cause arthritis flares, and other foodstuff like cider vinegar may help it. Alsina says: “Sadly there’s no good evidence that there are specific foods you should avoid or have more of. But if you do find things that are helpful or make your symptoms worse, then listen to your body.”

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2023-09-25/arthritis-myths-we-all-need-to-stop-believing/81451

9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing

From independent.co.uk

As Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week begins, experts debunk a number of falsehoods about the condition

Many people assume arthritis is just an “old person’s disease”, and an inevitable part of getting older. Try telling that to the parents of toddlers impacted by the condition, or the twenty-somethings living with it.

The suggestion that it only troubles the elderly is one of many myths associated with arthritis, which affects around 10 million people in the UK.

“One in six people live with the pain, fatigue, and disability arthritis can cause. The impact can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently,” says Deborah Alsina, chief executive at the arthritis support charity Versus Arthritis, speaking to mark Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (September 11–17).

“There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding arthritis, but by shining a light on the reality of living with arthritis day in, day out, we can help grow understanding and inspire people to take action.”

Dr Amara Ezeonyeji, consultant rheumatologist from The Lister Hospital in London (part of HCA Healthcare UK), adds: “Arthritis is a general term that refers to a group of over 100 different types of inflammatory joint diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, but it can also cause stiffness, swelling, and decreased joint mobility.”

She says the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often associated with wear and tear of the joints. Other common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints; psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily affects the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae; and gout, which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and often affects the big toe.

“There are several myths about arthritis that are often repeated. It’s important to dispel these to promote an accurate understanding of arthritis, and to encourage those affected to seek appropriate medical care and support from a rheumatologist,” Ezeonyeji adds.

Here, Alsina and Ezeonyeji debunk nine common arthritis myths…

Myth 1: Arthritis only affects the elderly

While it is more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.

Myth 2: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis

People who crack their knuckles will sometimes be wrongly warned that it’ll bring on arthritis, but Ezeonyeji explains: “There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to the development of arthritis.

“When people crack their knuckles, they experience a release of pressure in the joints and relaxation in the surrounding muscles. It can make the joint feel more mobile and is unlikely to cause arthritis or other problems.”

Myth 3: It’s just wear and tear

Alsina says one of the most damaging myths is that any form of arthritis is just “wear and tear”.

“Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and will affect half of us by age 70. But it isn’t an inevitable part of ageing – your joints are not like car tyres destined to wear down and be replaced. They are made of complex living tissue that our bodies constantly repair and maintain, and osteoarthritis occurs when our bodies can no longer do this effectively,” she says.

“Our joints get stronger the more we use them, so keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep osteoarthritis under control.”

Myth 4: Cold damp weather causes arthritis

(PA)

Although cold and damp weather can sometimes make arthritic joints feel worse, it’s definitely not why arthritis starts. Ezeonyeji explains: “Weather can influence joint discomfort, but it doesn’t cause arthritis. Arthritis is primarily a result of genetic and environmental factors.”

Myth 5:  Exercise makes arthritis worse

People with arthritis can often find it hard to maintain regular physical activity, but a lack of movement can actually increase symptoms such as stiffness and pain, warns Alsina. “Building activity into your daily routine can help improve this, because using your joints builds muscle strength and improves the blood supply, all of which can ease symptoms and keep joints in better shape for longer.”

She says different activities will suit different people, but adds: “Swimming and cycling are great exercises to try, as they get the body moving without putting pressure on painful joints.”

It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you.

Myth 6: Arthritis is just joint pain – it’s not serious

Ezeonyeji says that while arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to joints,” she points out.

Myth 7: There’s no treatment for arthritis

Opioids are sometimes prescribed for pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis in the short-term (Samunella/Alamy/PA)

While there’s no cure for arthritis, Ezeonyeji says there are many effective treatments for managing the disease, including pain relief medication, physiotherapy, disease modifying agents and biological drugs for inflammatory arthritis, plus joint surgery in some cases.

“It’s also recommended that people with arthritis modify their lifestyle and try to lose weight [if they need to], follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking,” she adds.

Myth 8: Miracle cures can make arthritis disappear

Although some people with arthritis believe copper or magnetic bracelets ease symptoms, Alsina says studies show no evidence to support this. “It’s the same with lots of supplements, and some of these are really pricey,” she observes. “Interestingly though, placebos can be very effective and continue to work even if you know it’s a placebo, so if you find these helpful there’s no reason to stop.”

Myth 9: Certain foods definitely help/hinder arthritis

There are claims that foods like tomatoes can cause arthritis flares, and other foodstuff like cider vinegar may help it. Alsina says: “Sadly there’s no good evidence that there are specific foods you should avoid or have more of. But if you do find things that are helpful or make your symptoms worse, then listen to your body.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/arthritis-diagnosis-young-cracking-knuckles-b2409057.html

Health expert debunks myths about arthritis, reveals reality

From hindustantimes.com

Since arthritis is so common, it is prone to many myths and misinformation. Health expert dispels its most frequent fallacies and reveals the reality

Arthritis is a well-known condition that affects the health of our bones and joints where arthritis in our bones and joints can cause persistent pain and stiffness and can be caused by an inflammatory illness called rheumatoid arthritis or by normal wear and tear termed osteoarthritis. Since it is so common, this well-known disease may be prone to many myths and misinformation.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant- Orthopaedics at Global Hospital in Mumbai, dispelled the most frequent fallacies about arthritis and revealed the reality.

Health expert debunks myths about arthritis, reveals reality (Pixabay)

Myth 1: Joint pain intensifies in wet weather

Fact: No scientific evidence supports this assertion and the reason you may have a flare-up of your arthritis symptoms during the rains is that your body has been fed this idea for so long that it has become to believe it. Arthritis discomfort is consistent all year and will only worsen if you do not follow through on your joint exercises and medicines.

Myth 2: Arthritis exclusively affects the elderly.

Fact: Arthritis is not limited to the elderly. While the risk of arthritis rises with age, it can strike anyone, including children. Juvenile arthritis is a kind of autoimmune illness that affects children aged 16 and under. Rheumatoid arthritis may strike anyone at any age.

Myth 3: All joint discomfort is caused by arthritis.

Fact: While arthritis is a common cause of joint pain, other conditions such as lupus, bursitis, and tendonitis can also cause pain. Joint discomfort can also be caused by injuries or infections. A correct diagnosis is required to establish the best course of treatment.

Myth 4: If arthritis runs in my family, I'll get it too

Fact: While genetics do raise your chances of getting arthritis, there's no assurance you'll get it. If you have blood relatives with arthritis, such as your mother, father, brothers, and so on, you should start taking safeguards.

Myth 5: Arthritis is caused by cracking your knuckles.

Fact: You've probably heard that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis. This, however, is a myth. While cracking your knuckles may irritate those around you, it does not cause arthritis.

Myth 6: Arthritis is a disease of the elderly and cannot afflict youngsters.

Fact: Although arthritis is more frequent in older people, it may afflict children and young adults as well. The most prevalent kind of arthritis in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as childhood arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), which can cause irreversible physical damage to joints.

Dr Anup Khatri concluded, “Despite the ubiquity of arthritis, there is still much to learn about it. We do know, however, that by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutritious, balanced diet, we can lower our chance of developing some kinds of arthritis and halt their progression.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/health-expert-debunks-myths-about-arthritis-reveals-reality-101683963985317.html