Osteoarthritis - Myths and Facts

Many myths about osteoarthritis (OA) persist – that it is an inevitable part of aging, like gray hair and skin changes; that it usually results in only minor disability; or that treatment is not effective in stopping it. Not so!

Myth: OA is a natural consequence of aging.
Fact: The most common misconception about OA is that it is a disease that only older people get. While the risk of OA increases with age, it should not be considered a "normal" part of the aging process.

In fact, OA can affect individuals of all ages – men, women and even children. And 60% of people with arthritis are younger than 65.

We now know that OA of the hip is usually a hereditary condition in Asian populations, but more than 50% of OA of the knee is the result of other factors such as knee injuries earlier in life.

Myth: OA can't be treated.
Fact: Although there is no cure yet for osteoarthritis, research shows that early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce the pain and disability associated with many types of arthritis.

The Take Charge! Early Intervention for Osteoarthritis program offered by The Arthritis Society is designed to do exactly that – Take Charge! The sooner you "take charge" of your OA, the better off you will be.

Myth: Not much can be done to alleviate the pain and disability of OA.
Fact: Medication, education, physical activity, surgery and in some cases, bracing, are five effective treatment strategies that can indeed make a difference. One intervention in particular – the Arthritis Self Management Program – has been shown to be especially effective in reducing pain.

Some improvement in the pain and loss of function is possible in almost everyone with OA. More can be done today to ease the pain of arthritis and to slow joint destruction.

Many people with serious types of arthritis, which were severely disabling as recently as a generation ago, are now leading full and productive lives, thanks in part to many developments, including new drugs and treatments, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management. As a person with arthritis, your future is full of possibilities that were only a dream 25 years ago.

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