In fact, one of the major misconceptions about arthritis is that it only affects the elderly. While certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are certainly more common in older people, the fact is that arthritis can strike at any age, can affect men and women, and any ethnicity. In the under 16s, most types of arthritis come under the bracket of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Another mistaken belief about arthritis is that this is a disease that can be cured. Currently, there is no cure for the condition, although medical research, much of it funded by arthritis charities, is working hard to discover a cure. Instead it is managed through a combination of medication designed to ease the symptoms of joint pain and to offer pain relief. The key to maintaining good overall health and a sense of wellbeing is in managing your condition effectively, reducing your symptoms as much as possible to keep pain at bay.
Once your condition has been diagnosed, you will have arthritis for the rest of your life. But the condition is not necessarily a life-limiting one, another common misconception about arthritis. In fact, it’s hugely important for those newly diagnosed with arthritis not to fall into the trap of believing that their life is over, that they will no longer to be able to do all the things they once did. With the right treatment, a good diet and proper exercise, you should be able to live as normal a life as possible. Depending on the severity of your condition, there may come a point where you need to make changes in your levels of activity and incorporate some helping aids into your daily routine. But for most people, that day never comes and so it’s essential not to believe arthritis is life limiting.
Talk frankly to your doctor about your condition and ask as many questions as possible about arthritis so you’re armed with the facts about the disease, not fooled by the fiction.