Arthritis Myths and Facts

Chances are you know someone, young or old, living with arthritis. Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans. One in every five adults and 300,000 children live with the debilitating condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility and swelling.

During May Arthritis Awareness we want to remind our community about common myths and misconceptions surrounding this disease. (Courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation)

Myth #1: Arthritis aches and pains just come with getting older.

Fact: People of all ages, races, and genders suffer from arthritis. Two-thirds of those with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children.

Myth #2: Arthritis is not considered a serious health concern.

Fact: People with arthritis log 44 million outpatient visits and account for 992,100 hospitalizations each year. The disease is a more common cause for limited physical activity than heart disease, cancer or diabetes, and is expected to affect more than 67 million Americans by the year 2030.

Myth #3: Arthritis patients should avoid exercising.

Fact: Endurance and resistance types of exercise offer unique benefits for people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatic conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, and a healthy weight greatly reduces pressure on the joints frequently affected by arthritis, such as the knees.

Myth #4: Not much is being done to advance a cure or treatments for arthritis.

Fact: Medical groups around the world are dedicated to arthritis research and developing better treatment options while hunting for a cure. Special organizations are also focused on raising awareness of the disease and its issues at the local level and in Washington, D.C. to generate more funds and assistance for research.

Are you suffering through joint pain? Don't. Make an appointment with a Texas Orthopedics specialists to find out the source of your aches and pains.

New Report Shows Alarming Rise in Arthritis

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released new data indicating that 52.5 million people were diagnosed with arthritis from 2010 to 2012. This is an increase of 2 million people from the previous report. Researchers also say the debilitating condition affects the daily activities of 22.7 million people (known as arthritis-attributable activity limitations) which well exceeds earlier projections. Experts estimate that nearly 67 million Americans will live with arthritis by the year 2030.

What is arthritis-attributable activity limitations (AAAL)?

AAAL affects adults who have arthritis, as well as patients with one of three co-existing chronic medical conditions: diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. People with these conditions also have higher than average rates of arthritis. The study found that about half of all adults with heart disease or diabetes had arthritis and more than a quarter of those adults with either condition and arthritis had AAAL.

What can you do?

Exercising can help manage arthritis! In addition to improving your overall health, exercise can help reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Physicians at Texas Orthopedics can help you develop an appropriate exercise regimen. Visit our website for more information. You can also find more details on the arthritis foundation website.

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Is weather a good predictor of joint pain?

Many folks have speculated that certain weather patterns may affect an arthritis flare up. For example, there's not a cloud in the sky, but all of a sudden your joints start aching... could a storm be on the horizon? And what about this so-called 'Polar Vortex'? Is this unusually cold weather wrecking havoc on arthritis patients?

Well, the answer is yes and no. There's no solid research confirming if weather has a direct effect on your bones and joints. But doctors who specialize in the treatment of arthritis (rheumatologists) generally agree that many patients experience a worsening of joint symptoms with climate change.

We know that weather definitely affects certain medical conditions such as pollens in the air causing asthma flare ups or sinus infections, sun rays causing skin burning or skin cancer, cold weather inducing heart attacks and gloomy, dark weather affecting behavior (depression). We also know that heat packs or hot showers can relax the muscles and relieve stiffness and pain for some, while ice packs can help ease inflammation in the joints.

So what's the bottom line? First, we don't recommend you pick up and relocated to Arizona or Southern California, as there are plenty of busy rheumatologist in those sunny, warm states! While we may not fully understand the exact causes of arthritis flare ups, a thorough exam and patient history will help shed some light. It will also help us determine if certain lifestyle and/or medication adjustments should be made for patients according to particular weather conditions that may influence their symptoms.

Experiencing joint pain? Contact us today to make an appointment with a rheumatologist.

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