10 myths related to osteoarthritis: An osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. In this condition, the protective cartilage cushioning the end of the bone wears down with time. It can damage any joint, and the major impact is on the knees, hands, hips, and spine.
People suffering from osteoarthritis have constant pain which interferes with their day-to-day lives as well. But the severity depends on the stage too.
Looking for the osteoarthritis treatment in Jaipur must book an appointment with Dr. Bhupendra Vaishnav at8949413041, one of the highly experienced Rheumatologist , provide best and affordable treatment for rheumatology diseases.
Osteoarthritis is divided into 4 stages, and these are:
Stage 1: Minor
In minor conditions, the wear and tear are minor in the joint and the affected area has no pain.
Stage 2: Mild
In mild conditions, there are some noticeable bone spurs.
Stage 3: Moderate
In moderate conditions, it is quite difficult to handle, and in this condition, in the affected area, the cartilage begins to erode.
Stage 4: Severe
In this stage, a person has a lot of pain and they are not able to move properly and maintain a healthy lifestyle seamlessly.
Along with the stages, some myths are also there, making people fearful and avoiding reaching out to rheumatologists.
If this is the case for you, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 myths about osteoarthritis to help you understand the condition and get to the rheumatologist as soon as possible.
10 Myths Related to Osteoarthritis:
1. Myth: Weather does not cause osteoarthritis:
Fact: Weather has no connection with osteoarthritis. But it triggers the symptoms pertaining to the muscles. With some weather changes, a person may notice constant pain, which makes it difficult for them to engage in activities seamlessly.
2. Myth: Calcium deficiency is the reason behind osteoarthritis:
Fact: The onset and direct association of osteoarthritis are not related to bone loss, so calcium deficiency does not play any role in it. However, the cause is increased bone density and abnormal growth due to a lack of bone resorption.
3. Myth: Osteoarthritis affects old people only.
Fact: The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. But it is not entirely true that it is a normal part of aging. It can affect people of any age. When the cartilage cushioning and protecting the end of the bone starts to deteriorate the mechanical stress or chemical changes that happen in the body lead to this condition.
Apart from age, some other factors putting a person at risk of osteoarthritis development include family history, obesity, previous joint injury, or repetitive use.
4. Myth: Osteoarthritis is a genetically inherited condition.
Fact: Osteoarthritis is not directly related to genetics. But it increases the chances of its development if a person’s parents had an encounter with it. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, as well as maintaining weight and diet, can help people avoid developing osteoarthritis.
5. Myth: Osteoarthritis is a serious condition but not a myth.
Fact: Osteoarthritis is divided into four stages and based on these, its seriousness can be decided. If it is mild, then it is not serious. But if it reaches stage 4, i.e., severe, it will be very difficult to manage the lifestyle. Also, there will be a need to approach a rheumatologist immediately.
6. Myth: Cracking knuckles causes osteoarthritis.
Fact: Knuckle cracking is not directly related to osteoarthritis. But if it is done regularly, it will be bad for the joint capsule, tendons, and ligaments. It usually happens due to forceful involvement of the tissue.
7. Myth: Wearing a copper bracelet improves osteoarthritis conditions.
Fact: A copper bracelet does look good, but it has no link with pain improvement from osteoarthritis. According to the myth, it reduces inflammation and regrows the joint cartilage. But according to the facts, this is not possible as copper substances have no effect on osteoarthritis.
8. Myth: Diet is not an important factor in managing osteoarthritis.
Fact: When it comes to managing your osteoarthritis, diet is vital. It will not cure it, but it will help you to relieve its symptoms. Including an anti-inflammatory diet helps in recovering symptoms, and the involvement of antioxidants reduces further damage to the joint.
9. Myth: Exercise is not possible for people who have osteoarthritis.
Fact: Exercise is a great way to get rid of osteoarthritis. It increases endurance and strengthens the muscles around the joint, which contribute to stability and flexibility. But if a person notices any new joint pain, they need to stop. At this point, I would approach that rheumatologist in a timely fashion.
10. Myth: There is no permanent cure for osteoarthritis.
Fact: Somewhere, it is the truth that there is no permanent treatment for osteoarthritis. But after adopting the best strategies, a person can prevent further progression. After approaching the doctor for arthritis treatment, he will help you to understand what you can do and what you cannot do to relieve it.
What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?
These are the common 10 myths related to osteoarthritis. If you are a Rajasthan resident, don’t forget to visit Dr. Bhupendra Vaishnav, the senior rheumatologist at the Synovium Rheumatologist Centre in Jaipur. He has years of experience in treating such conditions and helps you to know what you can do to relieve the condition. Discuss what you are facing with him so that he can provide you with the best treatment accordingly.