Think cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis? Or that eating tomatoes makes arthritis worse? Convinced only older adults get arthritis? Read on to learn the truth about these and other common myths about arthritis.
Myth #1: Arthritis is only an issue for older adults.
Fact: This is a common perception, but it is far from accurate. Arthritis can and does affect people of all ages, from young children to adults. For example, JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) affects children under the age of 16. During 2017-2021, an estimated 220,000 U.S. children and adolescents under 18 years had arthritis, which is about 305 children for every 100,000.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, can affect both young and older adults. Interestingly, RA may be more severe when it appears in young adults. Arthritis in younger adults can impact education, career growth and employment, and even family planning.
Myth #2: Arthritis is just wear and tear on joints.
Fact: This is only partially true for osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis overall. While age and mechanical stress can contribute, the development of osteoarthritis also depends on previous injuries, genetics, repetitive joint use, and obesity, as well as inflammation. Studies have shown that low grade inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.
Additionally, the other types of arthritis, such as RA or Psoriatic Arthritis are not caused by wear and tear, but are the results of the immune system attacking joint lining causing joint inflammation and joint damage
Myth #3: All joint pain is arthritis.
Fact: Not all joint pain is caused by arthritis. While arthritis is a common cause, joint pain (also known as arthralgia) can result from a wide range of other conditions and factors such as injuries (sprains, dislocations, fractures), bursitis (inflammation of the fluid filled sacs around the joint), and tendon inflammation. Other common causes of joint pain could be viral and bacterial illnesses such as chikungunya, parvovirus and many others. Additionally, bone cancers, hypermobility, sickle cell crisis, and fibromyalgia can cause joint pain.
Myth #4: Exercise and movement can worsen arthritis.
Fact: This is not true at all. Regular physical activity, appropriately tailored to a person’s abilities, is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint health.
While exercise is beneficial, it should be adapted to individual needs. Overdoing it or using poor technique can cause injury, so it’s important to avoid high-impact or repetitive stress activities and focus on joint-friendly exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking.
Things to keep in mind while exercising with arthritis:
- Listen to your body: Mild discomfort during exercise is common, but if you experience moderate to severe joint pain, stop and consult a healthcare provider. Persistent or severe pain may indicate inflammation or joint damage that needs medical attention.
- Rest during flares: During periods of intense inflammation (flares), it’s wise to rest the affected joint, but gentle range-of-motion exercises can often still be done safely.
Myth #5: Tomatoes can cause arthritis flare ups.
Fact: There is no direct link found between tomatoes and arthritis flare up. The same is true for other nightshade vegetables. In fact, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants which should help reduce inflammation and support overall health. There have been some studies looking at tomato intake and blood markers for inflammation and there was no increase in inflammatory markers.
Myth #6: Weather changes can make arthritis worse.
Fact: Weather changes can make arthritis symptoms worse for some people, but the relationship is complex and varies between individuals.
Humidity and barometric pressure on arthritis
Multiple studies and reviews have found that higher humidity and changes in barometric pressure are associated with increased arthritis pain and stiffness, particularly in colder weather.
Temperature and arthritis
Cold weather may increase the thickness of joint fluids, making joints feel stiffer and more uncomfortable. In some cases, even higher wind speed can result in increased joint pain in people with arthritis. However, this is not true for everyone and cannot be generalized.
Myth #7: Glucosamine, chondroitin and other supplements can cure arthritis.
Fact: Glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both naturally occurring components of cartilage, do not cure arthritis when taken as supplements. Extensive research—including large, well-designed clinical trials and systematic reviews—shows these supplements may provide modest symptom relief for some people with osteoarthritis (OA), particularly those with moderate-to-severe knee pain, but they do not reverse or cure the disease. There is no data to support that these supplements can help repair damaged cartilage
Myth #8: Cracking your knuckles or other joints causes arthritis.
Fact: This is another myth which is popular. There has been no link found between cracking joints and an increased risk of developing arthritis. The popping sound that occurs when you crack your knuckles is caused by rapid release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid and not by bones or cartilage being damaged.
It’s no myth that arthritis can be a painful condition that limits a person’s quality of life. At Brown University Health Rheumatology, we work with our patients living with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases to tailor treatment programs and help them manage their conditions. For more information, visit us online.
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