With one in four adults in the U.S. being diagnosed with arthritis according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important to understand what this condition entails. Unfortunately, many assumptions and misinformation are being spread about arthritis, so we’re here to help you debunk the most common arthritis myths.
Understanding Arthritis
This health condition is a disease that affects your joints and is characterized by the tenderness and inflammation of one or more joints. Its symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain around your joints which worsens with time. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in America, followed by rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. To fully understand what arthritis is, it’s best to go over a few arthritis myths and debunk them together.
Debunking Arthritis Myths
- Only mature adults get arthritis – Although the risk of developing this condition increases as you age, reality has proven that people at any stage of their lives can develop it. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 300,000 teens, children, and infants are living with various types of rheumatic conditions as well as juvenile arthritis.
- Arthritis cannot be prevented – While there may not be a cure for this condition yet, there are things you can do to reduce your risks or delay the severity of it. Overall health is key to managing arthritis and is something you can take control of. Protecting your body while playing sports or manual labor, being physically active, and eating meals that help decrease the production of chemicals that cause inflammation can all help to reduce your chances of developing arthritis.
- Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis – Too much stretching of your ligaments may cause soreness and reduced grip strength, but it does not lead to damaged joints or arthritis. Cracking knuckles pull your bones apart, stretching the ligaments. The “pop” sound comes from gas bubbles releasing synovial fluid, also known as the fluid that lubricates your joints, which will take about 30 minutes before the gas reabsorbs into the synovial fluid.
- Glucosamine supplements rebuild joints – These supplements are a cartilage-strengthening compound found in the body to manage pain and protect cartilage. However, research has never proven it true that glucosamine travels from one’s digestive system to damaged joints.
What Causes Arthritis?
The varying types of arthritis are caused by different factors, and people experience this condition from mild to severe stages. Joint discomfort might come and go or stay constant. For example, we know gout is the result of having excess uric acid in the body, while there are a few other types where the exact cause is unknown, leading to people coming up with arthritis myths and other misinformation.
You may be at risk of developing arthritis if you have viral infections, specific autoimmune diseases, have a job or play a sport that adds pressure onto your joints, or have a family history of arthritis.
Why Choose Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg?
Early diagnosis, the right treatment, and a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce symptoms and save more than joints. At Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg, we offer a safe and comfortable community that encourages your loved one to remain physically and mentally active with like-minded individuals.
If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us or call 610.477.3936 today.
