Arthritis symptoms explained: Top rheumatologist debunks 8 myths around joint pains, stiffness, more

How to ease arthritis pain: Treating arthritis is about more than just medicine. Physical therapy, lifestyle modification, weight loss and surgery all have a role in the treatment of this condition (Image: Pexels)

Arthritis is among the most widespread diseases that bring chronic health problems, and yet it is one of the least understood. With symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and decreasing ability to move, arthritis is not just a condition that affects physical health. It also limits an individual’s independence, quality of life and emotional states.

Arthritis is often associated with ageing, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone — even kids. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 350 million people around the world have rheumatoid arthritis. These numbers are increasing because of lifestyle and obesity along with longer life spans. And yet people believe myths around what causes arthritis, how it progresses and how it should be managed.

Dr Kuldeep Deshpande, Consultant Rheumatologist at Felician Health Institute, tells Moneycontrol, “The most difficult part in treating arthritis is perhaps not even the disease but the stigma that surrounds it. False information in patients’ hands leads to treatment delays or dismissal of treatments that could help people move again and have less pain.”

Also read | Living with arthritis: Here's how diet, exercise, and daily habits can ease the pain

Arthritis myths debunked 

Here, eight myths about arthritis — and what’s really true.

Myth: Arthritis only affects old people

Fact: Yes, it’s true that arthritis is prevalent in older adults, but kids and young adults can also have the condition. Juvenile Arthritis (JA) is a known disorder that affects tens of thousands of children globally.

Myth: Exercise makes arthritis worse

Fact: Regular, gentle exercise that doesn’t involve high-impact activities — such as swimming and yoga (especially when practiced in warm conditions), or walking — can strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility and reduce joint stiffness. Avoiding movement often worsens symptoms.

Myth: Cracking knuckles causes arthritis

Fact: Studies have not found a direct connection between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The popping sound results from the evolution of gas bubbles in the joint fluid, not from the fear of joint damage.

Myth: Only painkillers help arthritis

Fact: Treating arthritis is about more than just medicine. Physical therapy, lifestyle modification, weight loss and surgery all have a role in the treatment of this condition.

Myth: Arthritis is not caused by cold or moisture

Fact: Arthritis is caused by the weather. Therefore, the actual cause of this condition is inflammation and degeneration.

Myth: You must sleep for a full eight hours if you suffer from arthritis.

Fact: Sleep is crucial during a flare-up, but doing nothing for extended periods of time leaves muscles and joints in worse condition. The right amount of rest and activity can help reduce stiffness.

Myth: Diet has no role to play in arthritis

Fact: Eating a diet full of omega-3 fats, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can decrease arthritis symptoms and cushion your joints.

Myth: Arthritis has no cure - you'll just have to live with it.

Fact: Although arthritis is not always curable, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can manage symptoms, slow down progression and help improve quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.