Misconceptions about the Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diseases are often accompanied by several misconceptions or myths and the disease rheumatoid arthritis is no exception. These myths can actually mislead a patient and the cause of treatment of the disease as well if not explained earlier on. So, in order to understand the disease in a better way, here’s a detailed list of all the misconceptions associated with the disease to help you out:

Misconception 1: Arthritis is a disease that affects only the old and aged people.

This is a wrong concept altogether as rheumatoid arthritis can strike any people at any given point of time. Rheumatoid arthritis can happen to young adults, to children and to the elderly. Neither is the disease gender-specific, nor is it age-specific. There are more than hundreds of rheumatoid arthritis types and associated rheumatic conditions, and some of the conditions are particularly found in certain groups.

Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia are commonly observed in women than in men.

Ankylosing spondylitis and gout happens mostly to men than to women.

Psoriatic arthritis is equally observed in men as well as in women.

Aged people are likely to develop osteoarthritis, which is the degenerative form of the disease.

Misconception 2: Arthritis is stimulated by a wet and cold climate.

Climatic conditions can neither be the cause, nor cure for the disease rheumatoid arthritis. Though these theories have been prevailing for ages, but it’s actually of no use in the long run. If warm weather could help in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, then people living in the hot regions would never have rheumatoid arthritis in the first place. However, warmth can always be soothing and relieving for pain and other symptoms, but cannot be a cure.

Misconception 3: Arthritis can be cured completely.

Yes, it’s a myth as there are no strong evidences to prove that rheumatoid arthritis can actually be cured. However, there are many drugs and medicines that can probably slow down the progression of the disease, thus giving the patient some relief. Also, as rheumatoid arthritis is a process of a lifetime, it is very important to gain enough knowledge about the disease and its affect on your health as a precautionary measure. A patient must learn how to ---

Recognize and control the symptoms.
Medications and several other options for treatment.
Natural or alternative therapies.
Techniques for pain relief.
Ways to live better in spite of having rheumatoid arthritis.
Coping up with the challenges.

Misconception 4: Poor diet triggers Rheumatoid arthritis.

There are no scientific evidences to prove that certain specific foods can cause or prevent arthritis. Though there have been many speculations about the rheumatoid arthritis diet, but it cannot be said that some foods can even trigger arthritis. However, a proper and balanced diet is necessary for every human being as it helps in maintaining the body weight. But there are some diets that can elevate the levels of uric acid in our blood, thus causing joint pain and gout.

If a person is allergic to some food groups, it needs to be verified. Allergy can also trigger rheumatoid arthritis.

Misconception 5: Arthritis causes minor pains and aches.

Well, arthritis can actually cause extreme pain and ache in your joints and not just minor pains. Some pain relievers and other drugs cannot help in relieving the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The affect of rheumatoid arthritis is such that it can lead to severe problems like joint destruction and damage, restricted motion range, deformities, inflammation, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and several other problems.

Summary:

All the misconceptions about the disease rheumatoid arthritis need to be clarified, so that patient s can be more aware of the disease, its cause and the symptoms. Misconceptions would not allow people to understand the disease well and would also slow down the process of recovery.