Cracking the myths
The Hindu
The ill-effects of all arthritic disorders can
be minimised through early diagnosis, appropriate
treatment, physiotherapy and lifestyle modification,
says Dr. S. RAMAKRISHNAN. World Arthritis Day falls on October 12.
Since ancient times, arthritis has been a mystery. There
are a number of misconceptions and myths. Some are based
on science and the others on beliefs. When it comes to
science, how do we determine what is the truth and what
is myth? The answer is to separate science from
superstition and to ask the doctor, something which this
article aims to do.
Myth: Arthritis occurs only in the elderly.
Fact: Arthritis occurs in all age groups. The arthritic
diseases seen in children are rheumatic fever and
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Myth: Arthritis is seen only in areas where the climate
is very cold.
Fact: Arthritic diseases are seen in both temperate and
tropical regions. There is no scientific evidence to
establish that cold climate causes arthritis. It may
worsen the symptoms of an arthritic patient. There is no
need for an arthritic patient to shift from a cold
geographical area to a hot one. Arthritic patients can
continue to live in a cold climate with protective
clothing like woollen gloves, socks and indoor heaters.
Myth: The cause for arthritis is aging.
Fact: There are many causes for arthritis, such as
infection, disturbances in the body's defence system
(immune system), genetics and defects in metabolism. The
process of aging contributes to the occurrence of an
arthritic disease called osteoarthritis which is seen
predominantly in the elderly.
Myth: There is only one type of arthritis.
Fact: There are nearly 160 types of arthritis.
Myth: Knuckle cracking will cause arthritis.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this.
But repeated knuckle cracking is a strain on the
ligaments and joints of your fingers. It is better this
habit is stopped.
Myth: Eating tubers will cause or worsen arthritis.
Fact: Patients with arthritis can eat tubers. There is no
scientific evidence to prove that tubers after ingestion
cause intestinal gas which leads to a worsening of
arthritic symptoms.
Myth: If you have arthritis your children will get
arthritis.
Fact: All arthritic diseases are not hereditary. In
certain diseases there is a genetic predisposition, as in
rheumatoid arthritis. Even in this disease, only a
miniscule percentage of the offspring develop the disease
when the parents have rheumatoid arthritis.
Myth: The arthritic patient should never do exercises.
Fact: All patients with arthritis should go through a
regular exercise programme. The advantages are that
exercises maintain the range of joint movements, prevent
joint deformities, maintain muscle strength and improve a
sense of well being. A patient with arthritis should
strike a balance between rest and physical activity.
Myth: If you have arthritis you will become wheel chair
bound.
Fact: There are nearly 160 types of arthritis. If these
diseases are identified early and treated properly, the
patient can lead a normal independent life.
Myth: There are special diets for curing arthritis.
Fact: There is no special diet for curing arthritis. The
best diet for an arthritic patient is a well balanced
nutritious diet. Also, he should maintain ideal body
weight since excess weight puts more strain on the weight
bearing joints and makes the disease worse. Except for
the rare patient with a specific food allergy that may
aggravate his joint symptoms, there is no proven
scientific connection between a particular food source
and arthritis.
Patients with gout should avoid high quality protein
foods like non-vegetarian food and soya. The concept of
an "arthritis diet" has not seen the light of day.
Myth: Children with arthritis are cured when they grow
into adults.
Fact: Children with the disease called juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis may continue to have the disease
even when they become adults.
Myth: Arthritis affects only women.
Fact: Both men and women are affected by these diseases.
Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis occur more
predominantly in women. Certain diseases like gout and
ankylosing spondylitis are seen more frequently in men.
Myth: There is no connection between the mind and
arthritis.
Fact: There is a definite relationship between the psyche
and the soma (mind and the body). Certain arthritic
dieases are either precipitated or become worse when
there is mental disharmony.
Myth: Nothing can be done to treat arthritis.
Fact: There are nearly 160 types of arthritis and each
disease can be treated scientifically. Today the ill-
effects of all arthritic disorders can be minimised
through early diagnosis, appropriate drug treatment,
regular physiotherapy and life style modification.
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