Arthritis is a very common and painful disease that affects about 350 million people worldwide. It is the number one cause of disability in America! Here we will be debunking common myths and how to prevent this disease.
As many know, arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptom of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically gets worse with age. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, psoriatic and gout. They tend to share the same symptoms but are caused in different ways. Arthritis isn’t only in your hands, it can be in your hips, knees, back, and shoulders, the pain can be extreme and limit your everyday activities.
Here are some of many myths of arthritis:
- One common misconception is that only older people get arthritis but this is just not true. While the risk does increase with age, people of all ages are capable of getting it, this including children and young adult. In fact about 300,000 infants, children, and teens live with arthritis.
- Once diagnosed with arthritis, its game over right? In realty this isn’t true, yes there is no cure for it, BUT there are great medications for some types of arthritis. Also keeping a healthy lifestyle, losing weight, staying active, eating nutrient rich meals, and getting enough sleep, can help decrease the pain and developing rate.
- Arthritis can’t be caused by cold weather. Trust me, moving to a warm, dry climate will not cure arthritis. It’s bone rubbing on bone after cartilage has worn down and it causes pain in any climate. Warmth can be soothing so soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower.
- Lastly there are ways to prevent arthritis. Some of the risk factors for arthritis is your family history, age, your sex, previous joint injuries, and obesity. Not all risk are in your control but there are a few habits you can practice to reduce developing painful joints as you get older. Such as: eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids, controlling your weight, exercise, avoid injury, wear protective gear during exercise and sports, protect your joints in general (learn the right techniques when sitting, working, and lifting), and most importantly see your doctor if you start feeling pain in you joints!
Don’t brush off any joint pain no matter the age, make sure to get it checked out by your doctor. You can visit a chiropractor at any age to help with arthritis. Chiropractic practices are one of the safest therapies you can use for back and neck pain due to osteoarthritis.
Read more about Arthritis: https://www.arthritis.org
