Did you know that the term “arthritis” applies to more than 100 different related conditions? According to the Arthritis Foundation, some of those conditions include osteoarthritis, autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, infectious arthritis and gout (aka metabolic arthritis).

What the different forms of arthritis have in common is pain and swelling, which can sometimes limit a person’s movement or disrupt their routines. In fact, arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States, and it’s likely you know someone who has suffered from some form of this condition.

To help you better understand what arthritis is—and what it isn’t—read on, as we debunk myths and share facts.

Myth: Only older people have arthritis.

Fact: While many people associate arthritis with an older adult, it’s a condition that can impact children, as well. In the United States, 58.5 million adults and 1.4 million children have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Certain kinds of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (which is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage on the end of a bone breaks down), are more common with age, which could explain the stereotype/myth. The National Institute on Aging says that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis, often after they turn 50. It’s also more common in people who are overweight/obese, have endured injuries or surgeries on a joint, and who have a family history of osteoarthritis. 

 

Myth: Arthritis is one, single disease.

Fact: As mentioned, arthritis applies to more than 100 conditions, and they don’t all have “arthritis” in their name (like Ankylosing spondylitis, for example). The commonality among the different diagnoses is pain and swelling to the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis, but many other forms exist, including different types of childhood arthritis, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

 

Myth: If you’re experiencing joint pain, you have arthritis.

Fact: Many conditions can cause joint pain: tendonitis, bursitis, viral infections and various injuries can all cause tenderness, discomfort or pain in your ankles, hips, wrists and other joints. If you’re experiencing pain in or near your joints, and it’s causing you to avoid your normal activities, talk to a doctor. The Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms as causes for concern when experiencing joint pain:

  • Joints that are stiff or enlarged
  • Swelling around the joints
  •  Numbness
  • Sounds coming from the joints, such as grinding, clicking or snapping
  • Pain when moving the joint
  • Trouble bending or straightening the joint
  • A loss of motion
  • A joint that appears red, or feels hot and is swollen

 

Myth: There’s nothing you can do to prevent arthritis.

Fact: While some forms of arthritis may be unavoidable, you can lower your risk factors for other types by making certain lifestyle changes, according to the CDC. Those include the following:

  • Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or obese experience added stress on their joints. If you’re able to reach what’s considered a healthy weight, it may lower your risk for osteoarthritis, or lessen pain caused by osteoarthritis.
  • Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking can put you at a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis; and if you already have rheumatoid arthritis, smoking can make it worse. Ask your doctor for advice that can help you quit. In doing so, you’ll also be lowering your risk for a number of other health conditions.
  • Take care of your joints. If your joints are injured from overuse, either on the job or just in daily life, it could increase your risk for osteoarthritis. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect your joints. He or she may be able to share information about exercises and stretches as well as dietary advice.

 

Myth: You’re powerless to feel better when you have arthritis.

Fact: There are plenty of steps you can take that may help ease pain and inflammation. First and foremost, ask your doctor for advice, and be sure to keep up with follow-up appointments.

Your healthcare provider may also be able to share tailored exercise and diet advice. Physical activity can actually help arthritis, says the CDC, which recommends that people living with arthritis follow the standard guidelines and aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity per week. Just make sure the activity you choose doesn’t aggravate your joints; and if you’re starting a new exercise routine, take it slowly—and always check with your doctor regarding any concerns.

When planning your weekly grocery shopping list, the Arthritis Foundation recommends the Mediterranean Diet, which may help fight inflammation in your body and decrease joint pain. People who follow the Mediterranean diet eat lots of:

  • Fruits 
  •  Vegetables
  •  Beans
  •  Lentils
  •  Nuts
  • Whole grains
  • Fish

In addition, people who follow this Mediterranean way of eating limit the amount of meat, butter and sugar (including sugary drinks) they consume. The Mediterranean Diet may also have other health benefits, according to the Cleveland Clinic, including lowering the risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome and certain types of cancer.

 

Myth: Joint aches and pains are normal, and you should just ignore them.

Fact: While it’s not uncommon to experience occasional discomfort in your body, pain that interferes with your daily activities may be a cause for concern. If your pain doesn’t resolve after a few days, and you find yourself changing or avoiding certain activities or routines because of the pain, talk to your doctor.

 

Myth: As a person with arthritis, or a caregiver to someone with arthritis, you have to face it alone.

Fact: People who live with arthritis may face challenges in how they feel and how they move. The same goes for caregivers. Meeting others who face those same challenges can help. Support groups that offer education, tools and camaraderie are available, both online and in person. One place to start is with the Arthritis Foundation, which can connect you to others with shared experiences.

Some people may also benefit from seeing a therapist. Arthritis is a chronic condition, and that’s a difficult diagnosis to hear. For many people, stress exacerbates inflammation and contributes to flare-ups. A psychologist or counselor may be helpful in talking through any frustrations you have regarding your physical health. They may also be able to offer tools to help you manage stress and pain. For some people, having a therapist to talk to about their health also offers an outlet so that they don’t feel like they’re burdening their loved ones with their health concerns. Even if you just go for a few sessions, talking to a therapist could be the mental “tune up” you need, as you work towards feeling your all-around best.