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 Dr Joe Thomas, Consultant Rheumatologist,Aster Medcity, Kochi
Today, Google gives access to a lot of information. But a
layman finds it difficult to differentiate between misinformation or myths and
facts, especially when it comes to medical conditions. Arthritis is one such
disease that is said to be a disease of old age, a condition affecting only
joints, that milk and curd aggravate the pain, etc. So this is an attempt to
bust some myths around arthritis.
Myth 1: Arthritis is one single disease
Arthritis is not a single condition but can be of many types. It could be due to
crystals in the joint, gout, autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis, virus-caused
arthritis or many other kinds of the disease. The proper treatment of arthritis
can only start after the diagnosis of the type of arthritis.
Myth 2: Arthritis is a disease of old age
Arthritis can happen in children, in teen, in middle age, in fact at any age.
While the risk increases with age, people of any age can get arthritis.
Myth 3: Diet has no effect on arthritis
There are foods that can help manage the pain of arthritis which results from
inflammation. Some foods like fish, olive oil, whole grains, fruits and
vegetables have been shown to help alleviate the pain in arthritis.
Myth 4: All joint pain is arthritis
Arthritis describes different types of inflammatory as well as non-inflammatory
joint diseases with pain and debilitation caused by inflammation in joints and
surrounding tissue that causes. The right term is therefore rheumatic and
musculoskeletal diseases. Non-inflammatory arthritis consist of degenerative
spine diseases, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Inflammatory forms
include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and connective tissue
diseases. There are also some conditions that have similar symptoms like
tendonitis and lupus.
Myth 5: Damage to joints can’t be prevented
Early diagnois and medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs,
corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can help reduce
inflammation, relieve painful symptoms, and prevent joint damage.
Myth 6: Glucosamine supplements rebuilds joints
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the joints and cartilage around.
Patients think taking it as a supplement in the form of a pill helps to rebuild
joints. But it doesn’t reach the joints taken orally and it doesn't restore
joints. So there is no need to take this expensive supplement!
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