Understanding Arthritis:The Myths

Arthritis has been recognized for perhaps thousands of years. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about this chronic condition have been around for almost as long.

Myth #1: Arthritis is just aches and pains.

One common myth is that arthritis is just another name for the aches and pains people get as they grow older. While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age, arthritis may begin at any age, including during childhood. Conversely, some elderly people never develop arthritis. Many forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without specific treatment. Others, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be quite serious and may affect the body's internal organs as well as the joints.

Myth #2: Arthritis isn't really a serious health problem.

Taken collectively, the various types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases are the most common chronic health conditions in the population, affecting about one in every five adult Americans and nearly 300,000 children. These conditions become even more common among older people. Even in people under 65, arthritis is a major cause of work disability. For example, fewer than 50 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients younger than 65 who are working at the onset of the disease are still working 10 years later.

In addition, the impact of arthritis on society is substantial. By some estimates, the costs associated with arthritis may amount to $128 billion annually. The costs of arthritis may be categorized into three groups: direct, indirect and intangible. Direct medical costs, such as physician (and other health professional) fees, charges for laboratory tests and X-rays, drugs, assistive devices, surgeries and other costs, are the most obvious. However, a substantial part of the economic burden comes from indirect costs, such as lost wages due to work disability. In addition, people experience intangible costs, such as the need for a spouse or relative to take time off from work to take a patient to a caregiver, travel for medical care, or money spent to remodel the home to meet the needs of a person with arthritis, and many others.

Myth #3: Not much can be done to alleviate the pain and disability of arthritis.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for most chronic rheumatic diseases. Because of that, you may think that little can be done to help your arthritis, but this is not true. Some improvement in the pain and loss of function is possible in almost everyone with arthritis. Furthermore, the disease process that may lead to joint destructions can be controlled effectively in most people - particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis. More can be done today to ease the pain of arthritis and to slow joint destruction than ever before.

Many people with serious types of arthritis, which were severely disabling as recently as a generation ago, are now leading full and productive lives, thanks in part to many developments, including new drugs and treatments, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management. As a person with arthritis, your future is full of possibilities that were only a dream 25 years ago.