Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis characterized by pain, inflammation, stiffness and loss of joint function.
It is estimated that it affects 1.5% of the world population, while in Latin America there are approximately 34 million people with permanent disabilities and 140 millions with temporary disabilities due to rheumatic diseases. Despite this incidence, there are many doubts or erroneous beliefs about this disease. Here we review the most common myths about RA.
Myth 1: Joint pain is always arthritis
Truth: It is common to believe that all joint pain is definitively arthritis, but the truth is that there are other factors that may be causing this discomfort, for example:
Myth 2: AR is the same as osteoarthritis
Truth: Although often used as a synonym, osteoarthritis and AR are not the same. While RA occurs from injury or normal wear and tear on the joints with aging, RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet. It can also affect the heart, lungs, and eyes.
This confusion is likely due to the fact that some people with RA also have osteoarthritis.
Myth 3: There is only one type of arthritis
Truth: Many times people talk about arthritis as if it were a single condition, but this is not correct. In addition to RA and osteoarthritis, there are more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common types are:
- Osteoarthritis : it is a wear of the joints that cover the smooth cartilage, has long been considered a non-inflammatory form of arthritis, although some inflammatory cells have now been recognized as present in this condition.
- Gout: characterized by an accumulation of uric acid, which can form crystals in the joints , especially in the big toe, although it can also be located in the hands, wrists or knees. The crystals activate a temporary inflammatory response that can become chronic.
- Arthritis psoriatic : can affect the knees, ankles, wrists or fingers. It is estimated that approximately 30% of people with psoriasis (an autoimmune condition that causes raised patches of scaly skin) develop psoriatic arthritis.
- Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD or pseudogout): In CPPD, calcium crystals are deposited in the joints, especially the knee, wrist, shoulder, ankle, or elbow. Like the uric acid crystals in gout, these can cause the body to respond with inflammation, which can become chronic over time.
- Why joints hurt and how to relieve it
Myth 4: Arthritis only develops during old age
Truth: RA, like other joint conditions, is often associated with old age. However, experts explain that it can occur at any age, because it is an autoimmune disorder, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues.
Myth 5: Climate changes can worsen RA
Truth: This is a widespread belief but not true. Although the weather does not cause or worsen RA, it can influence the general condition of the patient.
Specialists outline different explanations for this freak. One of them is concentrated in the synovial fluid, a thick fluid found in the joints. This helps reduce friction between the cartilage and other tissues in the joints to lubricate and cushion them during movement.
It is believed that during low temperatures the synovial fluid can be expected and thus make the joints joints become stiffer, thus causing the well-known pain.
Another explanation can be found in the blood. In the cold, blood flow often diverts away from extremities, such as the arms and legs, to concentrate on vital organs, such as the heart, in an effort to keep them warm. However, this takes heat away from the joints, making them more painful.
Myth 6: To relieve RA pain it only works to apply heat
Truth: This is not true. While heat can help relieve pain and relax sore and tense muscles, the application of cold can also help, especially for its numbing effect and ability to reduce swelling.
Myth 7: RA cannot be prevented
Truth: Certain factors can increase the risk of RA. Some of them are not modifiable, for example, sex (women are more likely than men), age (RA usually appears after middle age) or family history.
- What can you do to take care of your joints
However, other factors can be modified and thereby help prevent RA. This is the case of smoking or being overweight. It is also recommended to maintain a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, cereals and legumes.
Myth 8: If you have RA you can’t exercise
Truth: This is false. According to experts, exercise and RA should coexist. Scientific evidence shows that people with RA who engage in regular physical activity experience less pain, have more energy, and have a greater range of joint motion.
Just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise regimen. This will help you prevent injuries and determine the best activities for you to do.
Myth 9: There are medications, herbs or supplements that can cure RA
Truth: As occurs with other conditions with a high incidence in the population, in recent years ( mainly through the Internet) countless products or natural remedies that claim to be effective in curing RA.
The experts affirm that this is nothing more than a fraud, since, although this condition can be controlled and treated, to date no there is a cure.
Myth 10: There is no treatment for RA
Truth: As reported by clinical studies, remission of RA symptoms is more likely when treatment starts in early stages. Depending on the severity of the case, the doctor may recommend the use of medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biological agents, as well as physical therapy.
In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, for example, to repair the tendon, fuse the joint, or replace the entire joint.
Sources consulted: US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health Publishing, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, World Health Organization (WHO).