Inaccurate information about arthritis is spread.
Arthritis is an old person's disease.Arthritis is induced by a cold, wet climate.
Arthritis is caused by a poor diet.
Arthritis can be cured.
Arthritis consists of only minor aches and pains.
"You felt fine yesterday....why so tired today?"
"You have arthritis, you can't......"
Misconception #1 - Arthritis is an old person's disease
Fact: Anyone can have arthritis.
The most common misconception about arthritis is that it is a disease only of old people. In actuality, arthritis can affect anyone not just the elderly, this includes:
Arthritis is not age or gender specific. There are over a 100 different types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions, and some are more commonly found in particular groups.
Misconception #2 - Arthritis is induced by a cold, wet climate
Fact: Climate itself is neither the cause, nor the cure.
It has long been theorized that arthritis is caused by a cold, wet climate. Moving to a warm, dry climate has been regarded by some as the cure. Logically, one can infer that if a warm climate cured arthritis, then no one in Southern California or other warm regions would have arthritis. Bone rubbing on bone after cartilage has worn away causes pain in any climate. However:
Note: Since moving to Southern California from Ohio, I can say that the warm climate has reduced the minor aches and pains that accompany my arthritic condition. I believe part of the reason is attributable to the fact that I am able to be more active in this climate. The fear of falling on the ice and in the snow is no longer a problem. I am able to walk much more and I believe the exercise has helped me tremendously. It has not reversed the serious damage the disease has done to my cartilage and joints however.
Misconception #3 - Arthritis is caused by a poor diet
Fact: There is no scientific evidence though that specific foods prevent or cause arthritis.
There has been an abundance of speculation about the importance of diet in regard to arthritis. It is certain that a nutritious, well-balanced diet and ideal weight maintenance improves overall health and wellness for everyone. There are a few examples where there is a definite diet connection such as between high uric acid levels and gout.
There is no scientific evidence though that specific foods prevent or cause arthritis. Good diet does not prevent arthritis. Unless a person is found to have a particular food allergy which causes their arthritis to flare, there is no proven direct link between a particular food source and arthritis.
Misconception #4 - Arthritis can be cured
Fact: There has been no scientific evidence that a cure for arthritis exists
The notion that arthritis can be cured is a fallacy. To date, there is no known cure for the disease. Much has been discovered in terms of better treatment options and slowing down the disease progression, but nothing yet has been found to successfully halt the disease. Since there are so many different types of arthritis, the prognosis varies.
Since having arthritis is a lifelong process, the importance of gaining knowledge and understanding of ones own health condition can not be overstated. There is much to be learned about:
