4 Myths Busted About Arthritis

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an excellent time to debunk common myths about joint pain or disease. It’s estimated that more than 53 million adults in the United States are living with some form of arthritis, making it a leading cause of activity limitations, chronic pain, and disability. 

The team of providers at Pain Management Specialists serving Rockville and Frederick, Maryland provide comprehensive and advanced treatment to quell inflammation and joint pain to enhance the lives of patients living with arthritis. To separate fact from fiction, our experts are here to bust four common myths about arthritis. 

MYTH #1: Cut back on physical activity if you have arthritis

Fact: You may have heard that if your joints are swollen and achy, you should scale back on your physical activity and lead a less active lifestyle overall. Not only is this a myth, but leading a less active lifestyle can worsen your overall well-being. 

Exercise is beneficial for managing arthritis, and while you may need to change the types of physical activity you engage in to ease the stress on your joints, physical movement is highly beneficial. Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise improves flexibility, balance, joint pain, and stiffness in people with arthritis. 

MYTH #2: If you have joint pain, you have arthritis

Fact: A wide range of conditions are associated with joint pain. This makes it crucial to get an accurate diagnosis (preferably by a rheumatologist). Doing so ensures that you receive the most appropriate plan to manage your pain. 

MYTH #3: Arthritis is an older person’s condition

Fact: Many people think they don’t have to worry about their joints until they get older. However, arthritis affects people of all ages, including children, which is defined as joint pain or inflammation. 

While rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age, juvenile arthritis affects children specifically. Although age alone isn’t a determining factor, osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type, tends to develop as people age.

MYTH #4: Rest is best during a flare-up

When it comes to arthritis, many patients describe having good days and bad days. Flare-ups are temporary intervals when symptoms worsen. While it’s important to rest during a flare-up, too much rest can do more harm than good, promoting more stiffness.

Staying moderately active during a flare-up helps to keep your joints flexible and functioning. It’s important to discuss balancing your activity levels during a flare-up so that you can keep the flare under control, and maintain joint health. 

Expert pain management

The team at Pain Management Specialists provides individualized treatment plans. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our team will discuss treatments options available to best manage your arthritis pain. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and can ease arthritis pain for months. Patients can rest assured that our finding an effective solution for managing your arthritis pain is our top priority. 

The key to controlling arthritis starts with getting the right information.  A proactive approach can enhance joint health and quality of life. If you’re living with the pain of arthritis, rely on Pain Management Specialists to assist you in finding the right treatment, and managing your pain effectively. Contact our team to schedule a visit with us today!