6 Myths About Joint Pain and Arthritis

Joint pain and arthritis can be frustrating and debilitating, adversely affecting your quality of life. With so much information available on the internet and beyond, it's easy to become overwhelmed and fall victim to common misconceptions.

At SEPA Pain and Spine, with six locations in southeastern Pennsylvania, our team of medical professionals offers a wide range of treatment options to help you effectively manage your pain.

Here, we dive into six myths about joint pain and arthritis and get to the truth to help you better understand and manage these conditions.

Myth: Arthritis is an older person's problem 

You might think arthritis only affects seniors, but that's false. While it's true that the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, this condition can affect people of all ages, even children. So don't ignore joint pain or dismiss it as normal for your age. Get checked out if you're experiencing symptoms.

Myth: Any joint pain is arthritis

If your joints ache, you might jump to the conclusion that you have arthritis. But joint pain can stem from various causes, like injuries, infections, or other medical conditions. It's crucial to consult with us to get to the root of your joint pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Myth: Your knuckle-cracking habit is going to give you arthritis

You might have heard that cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis. But that satisfying sound you hear comes from the release of gas bubbles in the fluid surrounding your joints. 

There's no evidence linking knuckle-cracking to arthritis, although doing it excessively might reduce your grip strength or cause joint swelling.

Myth: Exercise is bad for people with arthritis

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint health and flexibility. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and yoga can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, lessen pain, and improve overall function.

Myth: Losing weight won't make a difference in arthritis pain 

You might not realize how much excess weight can worsen arthritis symptoms. Carrying extra pounds strains weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and lower back. 

Research shows that even a small amount of weight loss can lead to a noticeable reduction in joint pain. So, adopting a balanced diet and exercising regularly can significantly relieve your pain and discomfort.

Myth: There's no hope for treating arthritis. 

We understand if you feel like nothing can help with your arthritis, especially when you have yet to find effective treatment for your needs. But we have plenty of treatment options available to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. 

Treatment could include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or even surgery in some cases.

Joint pain and arthritis don't have to be a mystery. Knowing the facts is crucial to managing and treating these conditions effectively. Our team at SEPA Pain and Spine is here to help guide and support you if you're experiencing joint pain or suspect you may have arthritis.

Are you ready to tackle your pain? Don't hesitate to book an appointment online with us or call 855-235-7246 for expert advice and personalized care. Our offices are located in Horsham, Langhorne, Meadowbrook, Chalfont, East Norriton, and Limerick, Pennsylvania.