Fact and Fiction about Osteoarthritis

What are the facts about the most common arthritis fictions, and can you keep your joints happy and healthy for years to come?

Arthritis Myth or Fact: Arthritis is just part of the aging process.

Myth. The idea that getting older means living with joint pain is probably one of the most persistent arthritis myths out there.
Yet arthritis isn't a natural part of aging, and older people aren't.. more
Arthritis Myth or Fact: You can’t prevent osteoarthritis.

Myth. For some, arthritis is in the genes; if one of your parents has osteoarthritis -- particularly in the hands -- chances are good you will, too.
For the rest of us, the most common causes of OA.. more
Arthritis Myth or Fact: You can't be physically active when you have arthritis.

Myth. The idea that you can't exercise or be active once you've got OA is another arthritis myth that's overstayed its welcome.
You should be physically active, when you have arthritis, White tells.. more
Arthritis Myth or Fact: Losing as little as 5 pounds can make a big difference to OA symptoms.

Fact. For every pound you gain, you add 2-3 pounds of pressure across your knees, White says. So even a small weight loss can produce drastic changes, reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and pain.
"If.. more
Arthritis Myth or Fact: Arthritis: It's not a serious health problem.

Myth. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, affecting about one in every three U.S. adults -- and their families.
The economic burden is also large, with estimated.. more

Arthritis Myth or Fact: Arthritis is just part of the aging process.