All About Arthritis Myths, Unfounded Causes, Treatment Misconceptions

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ARTHRITIS MYTHS

Seperating Fact From Fiction

Learn About Arthritis Myths and Misconceptions.

From ancient times to modern times, arthritis has been a mystery. While we know more today than ever before about the causes, complications and best treatments - there are still many Arthritis misconceptions out there.

We've taken the time to provide the following information which clears up some of the misinformation related to the...
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Subject matter Quick Links for this page…
Top 10 Arthritis Myths:
MYTH #1 – Only older people get arthritis.
MYTH #2 - All arthritis is the same.
MYTH #3 - Arthritis is caused by cold, wet weather.
MYTH #4 – Poor diet causes arthritis.
MYTH #5 – Every day is the same for arthritis patients.
MYTH #6 - Arthritis is a minor physical inconvenience.
MYTH #7 – Current medical treatment can cure arthritis. It's as simple as taking a pill.
MYTH #8 – Joint replacement is a "quick fix", "guaranteed option" to remedying arthritis.
MYTH #9 - Prescription drugs are the best option for managing arthritis pain.
MYTH #10 - Aside from replacement, there is no way to repair damaged joints and you just have to live with them.

MYTH #1 – Only older people get arthritis

The Facts... This is the most common of the arthritis myths. In fact, arthritis can affect individuals of any age (including children), any sex and any race.

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MYTH #2 - All arthritis is the same.

The Facts... There are over 100 different varieties of Arthritis, some of which are thought to have a genetic cause while others are the result of joint trauma. The causes & symptom's can differ widely as can the treatments & prognosis.

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MYTH #3 - Arthritis is caused by cold, wet weather.

The Facts... Arthritis myths related to cold wet weather being at the root of arthritis continue to endure. Furthermore, dry weather has been regarded as a cure, prompting some individuals to move to warm and dry places such as Arizona. Unfortunately, populations in all types of climate are affected by arthritis. While warmth may be soothing to some people, it cannot prevent or reverse the effects of arthritis.

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MYTH #4 – Poor diet causes arthritis.

The Facts... Except for individuals who are found to have specific food allergies that aggravate their arthritis, there is no proven connection between a particular food source and arthritis. We do know however that a nutritious, well-balanced diet and the maintenance of a healthy weight can improve your prospects. Weight management is extremely important for people with arthritis because being overweight puts added stress on arthritic joints.

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MYTH #5 – Every day is the same for arthritis patients.

The Facts... Arthritis sufferers have good days and bad days in terms of both pain and mental state. Managing the repercussions of arthritis is a challenging endevour not only for the afflicted but also for those living or working with them. Education can help everyone better deal with the contradictions and challenges of arthritis.

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MYTH #6 - Arthritis is a minor physical inconvenience.

The Facts... It's common myth that arthritis sufferers only deal with minor aches and pains. Television commercials, newspaper and magazine marketing can over simplify the treatment options and minimize the effects of arthritis. All forms of arthritis are at the very least inconvenient but the more aggressive forms can be debilitating and a challenge to manage.

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MYTH #7 – Current medical treatment can cure arthritis. It's as simple as taking a pill.

The Facts... Despite arthritis myths to the contrary, there is no scientific evidence that a cure for arthritis exists. Nevertheless; geneticists, doctors and natural remedy practitioners continue to make huge strides in understanding and fighting arthritis. The current best practices include a regimen of pain management tools, physical therapy and preventive care to address the symptoms.

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MYTH #8 – Joint replacement is a "quick fix", "guaranteed option" to remedying arthritis.

The Facts... Total joint replacement surgery, called arthroplasty, has been used by millions of Americans as an arthritis remedy and as such we know alot about its effectiveness and the end results.

History to date has shown that this surgery is not without it's downsides which need to be considered carefully and against your other options.

When you are talking about joint surgery (typically--hip and knee replacements) there are two key factors to consider:
• First, no matter what you are told you will experience limited mobility for the rest of your life after even the most successful operation.
• Second, these "replacement" surgeries do have a failure rate, some procedures having a very significant risk of failure. At best implants will last about 8-10 years after which the surgery and cost incurred (monetary and otherwise) will have to be repeated.

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MYTH #9 - Prescription drugs are the best option for managing arthritis pain.

The Facts... This is one of the most common arthritis myths.
In fact, the published results of two recent comprehensive scientific studies (GAIT Study & GUIDE Trial) have definitely proven that Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate, when used in combination, not only reduce pain, but do so at least as well as NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or some prescription drugs such as Celebrex). In many cases Glucosamine and Chondroitin were shown to work far more effectively and with no long term side effects. For a more detailed summary of these studies, please click here (GAIT Study & GUIDE Trial).

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MYTH #10 - Aside from replacement, there is no way to repair damaged joints and you just have to live with them.

The Facts... You don't have to live with damaged joints and surgery isn't your only option. While this continues to be portrayed by many in the medical community as fact, scientific study and real world results have proven that glucosamine can in fact help the body to repair damaged or eroded cartilage. It does this by providing the building blocks of cartilage while strengthening your body’s natural repair mechanisms. See this article for additional details on how Glucosamine helps repair damaged joints.

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