There are several misconceptions about osteoarthritis (OA) out there and unfortunately misconceptions lead to misunderstanding. There are misconceptions about what causes osteoarthritis, treatment, and how it progresses, just to name a few. Let’s take a look.
Osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million people in the United States, making it the most common form of arthritis. It’s known as the “wear and tear” arthritis because it occurs when it the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time causing symptoms like swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Since it has been coined the “wear and tear” arthritis, many people attribute getting older to the reason they have developed OA. Aging alone simply does not mean you are going to develop OA. A number of other factors play a role in the development of arthritis like: genetics, weight, and injury history.
Another common misconception stems from physical activity. Many people believe that if you have OA, you should refrain from exercising. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Exercise has been shown to be the most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in osteoarthritis.[1]
Another area that tends to get widely overlooked is diet. Many people don’t see a link between what they put into their body and OA. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. For every pound of weight lost, the pressure on the knees is reduced by 50%! Lose 10% of your body weight? You may be able to reduce your arthritis pain by up to 50%![1]
Researchers at Stamford Therapeutics Consortium are currently studying potential new osteoarthritis treatment options. If you or someone you love is looking for new treatment options when it comes to managing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, you may be eligible to participate. Qualified participants may have access to potential new OA medications, and receive care from board-certified physicians and other medical staff. Those that qualify may also be compensated for time and travel expenses. If you have OA, learn more about this exciting research opportunity by clicking HERE.
[1] https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/features/lose-weight#2
[1] https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/benefits/osteoarthritis-exercise.php
