As World Arthritis Day goes past on 12th October, Dr Shashank Akerkar, consultant rheumatologist, tells Forum M Gandhi 10 myths and facts about arthritis
1. Myth: An orthopedic specialist treats arthritis
Fact: Rheumatologists are experts when it comes to joints, soft tissues, auto-immune diseases, vasculitis and connective tissue disorders, making them the best people to treat arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
2. Myth: Arthritis afflicts only old people
Fact: The common symptoms of juvenile arthritis, found in adolescents include pain or swelling in one or more joints, fevers, rash and/or eye inflammation. Juvenile arthritis could be genetic, making it important to check the arthritic history of the parents.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, mostly found amongst aged 20 to 40, include pain in the wrist and fingers, neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. The stiffness and pain could last for over an hour.
Degenerative arthritis, generally seen amongst people over the age of 50, occurs because the ageing body is unable to repair the wear and tear of joints, resulting in friction that causes further damage. Other causes include excessive weight, loss of strength in the muscles, weakening of the nerves, etc.
There are other types of arthritis too, amongst which ankylosing spondylitis is commonly found in men between the age of 20-40. Symptoms include pain in the spine, lower back, buttocks, back of the thighs and shoulders. The person might take 10-15 minutes to get up in the morning as stiffness increases at this time. People affected, may also complain of eye redness and pain, floaters etc.
3. Myth: There is no treatment for arthritis
Fact: Arthritis, though incurable, is controllable with appropriate medication and exercise. Symptoms should not be neglected, as the golden period to control arthritis is three months from the appearance of symptoms. If ignored, arthritis could severely affect your ability to lead a self-reliant life.
4. Myth: Arthritis can be treated with over-the-counter pain killers
Fact: Arthritis can be mild, moderate or severe. Hence, what works for one person, may not work for another. It is important to seek customised treatment from a rheumatologist as well as a physiotherapist.
5. Myth: Steroids are the only way to treat arthritis
Fact: Science has progressed, and there are DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that help control the disease and limit joint pain) as well as Biologics (genetically modified proteins derived from human genes that used to treat moderate to severe arthritis) which do not contain steroids. However, you must have patience at the body takes it's own time to respond to these medications.
6. Myth: All joint pain could be arthritis
Fact: Chikungunya, swelling caused by an old would as well as vitamin D3 and calcium deficiencies could also cause joint pain. Ensure that you are not suffering from one of these before jumping to the conclusion that you are afflicted by arthritis.
7. Myth: Practising yoga can relieve arthritic pain
Fact: Yes, yoga can help arthritic patients but when performed with professional guidance. There are asanas that could aggravate arthritis and increase the swelling in joints, so do practise with care.
8. Myth: Smoking has nothing to do with arthritis
Fact: According to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) study, besides the known risks of smoking, it can also trigger the joint pain that is associated with arthritis, as it kills the bacteria that protects the body.
9. Myth: Tooth infections are unrelated to arthritis
Fact: According to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), the bacteria involved in a tooth infection can trigger arthritic pain.
10. Myth: Citrus foods are a big NO NO!
Fact: Some arthritic medication may not go well with citric fruit. If you enjoy food with citrus content such as tomatoes, lemons, sweet limes or oranges, do ask your doctor for a subsitite medication that will not be affected by the consumption of these fruits.
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