Arthritis limits the abilities of nearly 19 million adults? in the United States. Sounds like a lot, but it's a fact. Maybe because arthritis is so common, we take it for granted, but the chances are very good that you'll have to deal with some form of the disease in your lifetime.
See if you can separate arthritis myth from fact in this quiz.
Arthritis is just a minor ailment characterized by minor aches and pains.
Myth.
Arthritis can lead to serious pain and disability.
There are actually over 100 types of arthritis.
Fact.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of the disease, but there are many, many others.
One in three U.S. adults is affected by arthritis or chronic joint pain.
That statistic comes from a 2002 survey by the Centers of Disease Control.
Only older people get arthritis.
Myth
Fact
In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control found that almost 300,000 U.S. children under age 18 had been diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatologic condition.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 19 million U.S. adults report activity limitations because of arthritis each year.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, less than half of all rheumatoid arthritis patients under 65 years old who are working at the onset of the disease are still working 10 years later.
Many people are severely limited in their professional lives by the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis is far from a modern disease. Signs of arthritis have been found in ancient Egyptian mummies and in Neanderthal skeletons.
It seems that people have been dealing with arthritis for just about our entire history. That's not much comfort for your aching joints, but it's food for thought.
Cold, damp weather causes arthritis.
Cold and damp weather isn't worse for your joints than any other kind of weather. Some people claim that their already arthritic joints ache more in rainy weather, but the claims are inconsistent. Scientists think that weather probably affects everyone's arthritis a little differently.
Poor diet causes arthritis.
There's no evidence that specific foods cause arthritis. However, being overweight can lead to more stress on your joints, and that can cause arthritis. Staying in shape and eating well is always a good idea.
Knuckle-cracking can cause arthritis.
It's an old wives tale with no evidence to support it. This myth was probably started by somebody who didn't like the sound of kids cracking their knuckles.
Regular, gentle exercise can help reduce arthritis pain and discomfort.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, exercise is an "essential tool" in managing arthritis. Exercising can reduce joint pain and stiffness, build strong muscles around the joints, and increase flexibility and endurance.
Wearing a copper bracelet can cure arthritis.
Studies have shown that wearing copper is no more effective than taking a placebo. Maybe if you can convince yourself that the bracelet will work, it will ... but you should probably see a doctor anyway.
There is no cure for arthritis.
There are many effective treatments for arthritis, but so far no cure.
Virtually everyone over the age of 75 is affected by arthritis in at least one joint.
It's hard to believe, but true.
Generally, women are affected by arthritis at a younger age than men.
This Box will Close In 5 Seconds
