Common myths about arthritis |

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada affecting more than 4 million Canadians. Yet despite of how common a condition it is, many people have misconceptions about arthritis. Here are some common myths about arthritis:

Only old people get arthritis – while the risk for arthritis increases with age, nearly 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are younger than 65. As a matter of fact, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.
Arthritis is just part of normal aging – Arthritis is often seen as an inevitable part of aging but 57% of seniors do not have arthritis while two thirds of individuals with arthritis are under the age of 65.
Arthritis isn't a serious condition; it's just aches and pains – joint damage associated with inflammatory arthritis occurs within the first few years after its onset. Early diagnosis is crucial to minimizing its effects.
There's nothing that can be done for arthritis… just learn to live with it – while there is currently no known cure for arthritis, there are many options to alleviate symptoms so people can lead more normal lives.
Exercise is bad for arthritis sufferers – on the contrary, avoiding activity can be harmful because it can lead to muscle weakness, pain and stiffness.