Many people mistakenly think they can treat arthritis effectively themselves by using advertised remedies or devices. Public education about arthritis may help offset the thriving quackery business and prevent needless waste of money. As more people learn more about arthritis fewer will be vulnerable to unproven remedies.

According to the US Arthritis Foundation, Americans have five major misconceptions about arthritis. They say that people generally have more misinformation about arthritis than any other common disease. Because wrong information can be harmful and costly, it is important to understand the facts.

Arthritis is not a Serious Disease

While it is true that many people have minor aches and pains that they think are symptoms of rheumatism or arthritis, arthritis can also be serious and crippling or life-threatening. In some cases, arthritis patients are seriously ill. Some have deformed hands, wrists, knees, feet, and hips. Others may suffer damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. With proper treatment, however, these effects can be prevented or offset. It is wrong to believe that arthritis is not a serious disease.

Self-diagnosis and Self-treatment Work for Arthritis

You can’t determine what kind of arthritis you have. Different kinds require different treatment. While you experiment with unproven remedies, you can dangerously damage your joints. Medicines you might take without medical supervision can also have serious side effects. It is dangerous to believe that self- diagnosis and self-treatment work for arthritis.

Doctors can’t do much for Arthritis

Much can be done to prevent the crippling effects of arthritis. Damage to joints can be reduced or corrected in many cases. Damage to vital organs can be arrested or reversed. Medications are available for the control of pain. Combinations of medications, rest and exercise work for many people. Getting an early diagnosis and proper medical care before joints are irreversibly damaged can prevent the serious effects of arthritis.

Arthritis is Mostly an Old People’s t Many people have had arthritis since they were relatively young. Some forms of arthritis can start in infancy. Most, however, begin during adulthood. It is not true that arthritis is an old people’s disease.