Common Misconceptions About Arthritis

There are a number of misconceptions about arthritis, which sometimes leads people to not seek help when they experience the symptoms of arthritis.

Age

One of the most common misconceptions about arthritis is that the only people that can get arthritis are the elderly. While it is true that age is a risk factor and seniors are more likely to develop arthritis, this joint disorder can actually effect people of all ages. Even young children can develop arthritis.

Location and Climate

Another frequently heard misconception is that living in a certain climate can increase the risk for developing arthritis. While often times heat can help reduce the effects of arthritis, living in a cold area will not give you arthritis, just as living in a warm area will not cure arthritis.

Healthy Eating and Poor Diets

It is also sometimes thought that an improper or poor diet can cause arthritis and a healthy diet can cure arthritis, but this is not typically the case. However, there are a few types of arthritis, such as gout, which can be caused by an improper diet, but this is not common.

There is a Cure for Arthritis

There are a number of misleading advertisements that offer a cure for arthritis, but there is actually no cure for arthritis. Over the past few years, a number of advancements have been made that allow arthritis to be treated much more effectively and the effects slowed, but there is no magic cure.

Arthritis is the Same for Everyone

Often, people attempt to better understand their illness by comparing it to what others experience, but the effects of arthritis can greatly vary person by person, so this is not a good idea.

People with Arthritis are Helpless

It is true that arthritis can greatly limit ones ability to get around and it can also be very painful, but an individual with arthritis is far from helpless. It does not effect the mind and an individual with arthritis is typically able to do a great deal on their own, although they may need help with some tasks.

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