There is lots of information out there about osteoarthritis,but can you find fact amongst the fiction? Here are a few myths that most believe to be true:
Only old people get arthritis:
Not so. Although advancing age is a risk factor many people feel the pain of arthritis before the age of 40. Younger people also have higher mobility expectations and notice physical restrictions acutely. Fractures that involve the joint surfaces also greatly increase the rate of wear in weight-bearing joints and can result in advanced arthritis at a very young age.
There is not much you can do about arthritis:
Yes there is. The two areas you definitely have a say in are your weight and your muscle strength. Both of these tend to become bigger issues due to the formation of a 'vicious cycle'. As your pain increases you become less active and more likely to put on weight. This leads to more stresses on the joints and more pain, starting the cycle again. This same lack of activity leads to weaker thigh muscles that normally protect the knee joint. As they get weaker they support the knee less and lead to more wear and pain. The good news is that the cycle works in reverse. Lose weight and gain muscle strength and your knees are supported more, are required to carry less weight, and so cause you less pain.This lets you get active again.
I have osteoarthritis so I will eventually have to have surgery
Wrong again. Not everyone needs surgery, and the person who decides if you need surgery is you! Just because a doctor says "all I can offer you is a knee replacement" doesn't mean you have to have one. You may choose to have one, or you may say that you can manage without. You can always change your mind and have surgery later. It just means that your arthritis has past the point where lesser treatments such as an injection or key-hole surgery would be of any long-term benefit.
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