Have you ever felt a storm coming based solely on the sensation in your joints? If not have you heard others mention it? The real question is, is this backed by fact, or is this (like many other bits of information out there) based on myth?
As time goes on and we learn more and more about osteoarthritis pain and treatment options, we are learning that many things that we thought were facts are actually false. Here are five common myths we hear about arthritis and joint pain.
Myth 1: Don’t Exercise If Your Arthritis Acts Up
Studies reveal that consistent, sensible exercise may potentially benefit your arthritis. However, after prolonged exercise, you might need to rest your arthritic joints. Regular exercise aids in the preservation of your strength and range of motion. You should be able to significantly enhance your quality of life through regular exercise as long as you are aware of your limitations and pace yourself. Your physician is always willing to talk about certain exercises that could be easier on your joints.
Myth 2: Only Use Heat Not Ice
Arthritis can benefit from both cold and heat. You may choose which worst best for you, as long as it relieves your joint pain, though it is recommended to only use heat or ice in 15-minute intervals with rest in between. Inflammation brought on by repetitive motion and exercise can be effectively treated with ice. For many, this tends to be the most effective in the evening after you have settled down a bit.
Heat is also a miracle worker for aching joints. According to studies, using a warm washcloth or heating pad for only five minutes has been known to help loosen up tense, painful muscles and joints.
According to the same research, neither heat nor ice is more efficient than the other.
Myth 3: Only the Elderly Have Arthritis
Although it may affect anybody at any age, arthritis is more prevalent among older generations. According to one study by The National Health Interview, clinicians have identified arthritis in 49.7% of persons 65 and older who participated in the United States. However, the researchers also noted that 7.3% of those aged 18 to 44 and 30.3% of persons aged 45 to 64 had an arthritis diagnosis, respectively. The onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis often occurs in persons between the ages of 20 and 40, as was already indicated.
Myth 4: Every Form of Joint Pain is Arthritis
Joint pain can also be brought on by other disorders including tendinitis, bursitis, or soft tissue injuries. These are typical structures that are situated close to the joints themselves and that might irritate the joints and cause pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent kind of arthritis, particularly in people over 50. Swelling, soreness, and trouble moving your joints may be some of your symptoms. Osteoarthritis often begins in your 50s and gets worse over time. However, a variety of structures close to the joints, such as tendonitis, bursitis, or soft tissue injuries, can also produce discomfort in the same regions. A rheumatologist’s evaluation will result in the most appropriate diagnosis and course of action.
Myth 5: After Diagnosis, There is Nothing You Can Do
Fortunately, this is a rumor. Depending on the type of arthritis, the disease’s progress might vary. Many different varieties of arthritis can be treated with medications that can improve symptoms and delay the development of the condition.
Additionally, people can reduce the advancement of some forms of arthritis by changing their lifestyle habits, such as keeping a healthy weight, giving up smoking, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.
Bonus: Rain and Humidity Make Joint Pain Worse
While many claim for this to be the case for them, scientific studies haven’t been able to conclude either way whether this is the case. Some studies have shown that depending on the cause of the inflammation around the joints, some can actually feel the humidity in the air as it causes their joints to swell more. Others have proven conclusively that there is no effect at all.
All in all, there are tons of sources for information floating around out there in regard to joint pain. It can be hard to know which sources are truthful, and which are based on myth. We hope you enjoyed this article, and if you would like to read more, please feel free to view our other blog entries here: https://thecifhw.com/blog/
Have a wonderful day!