Fact or Fiction? The Top 15 Osteoarthritis Myths
Myth #1: Osteoarthritis is Just a Condition of Old Age
OA most commonly occurs in the hands, knees, hips and spine with symptoms of pain, joint stiffness, and possibly swelling due to fluid accumulation.
Myth #2: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Are the Same
These diseases do have some similarities - both can occur in the hands, feet or wrist; no cures exist; and treatments for both can lead to substantial relief.
Myth #3: Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis Does Not Require Laboratory Tests
- Joint Aspiration: Under local anesthesia, joint fluid is withdrawn to look for evidence of joint deterioration/crystals.
- X-ray: The physical effects of OA, like bone/cartilage changes, can be shown with imaging techniques.
- MRI: MRIs provide a two-dimensional view that offers better images of soft tissues, such as cartilage.
Myth #4: Stiffness with Osteoarthritis Lasts the Entire Day
Myth #5: Patients With Osteoarthritis Should Avoid Exercise
Myth #6: Osteoarthritis Is Treated Only with Pain Medications
- Rest: Activity is important for OA to prevent joint stiffness, but in times of flare-ups a day of rest can improve symptoms.
- Weight Loss: Weight loss can lower the risk of pain in weight-bearing joints.
- Exercise: Exercise helps to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and lessen pain.
- Orthoses: Devices to help to align joints - orthotic shoe inserts, splints, and braces.
- Heat and Cold: Can help to relieve pain, stiffness and muscle spasms.
Myth #7: Acetaminophen is Not Strong Enough for Osteoarthritis
Myth #8: Acetaminophen Has No Side Effects
In addition, if you are using the maximum dose of acetaminophen, be sure to avoid other products that also contain acetaminophen, such as OTC cold remedies, combination pain pills such as acetaminohen/hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), and many other products.
Myth #9: Glucosamine-Chondroitin Has Been Proven to Be Effective
Myth #10: Cream Made From Hot Chili Peppers is a Hoax
Capsaicin works by blocking a substance in the nerve that can lead to pain. Side effects such as burning, stinging, and redness may occur on the skin. It may take up to 2 weeks for the cream to have a full effect on your pain. Common OTC brand names of capsaicin cream include Zostrix, Capzasin-HP, and others.
Myth #11: Joint Injections Can Be Given as Often as Needed
Myth #12: Older Patients Should Not Use Any Type of NSAID
Myth #13: Cymbalta is Not as Effective as NSAIDs
Myth #14: Most People with Osteoarthritis Will Require Surgery
Replacing damaged joints with artificial ones can improve movement, relieve pain and boost independence. Removing bone spurs, and re-aligning joints can also improve OA for many patients. Your physician is the best expert to work with to determine if you need a surgical procedure for OA.
Myth #15: Acupuncture Has No Scientific Basis for Osteoarthritis (OA)
Finished: Fact or Fiction? The Top 15 Osteoarthritis Myths
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- Arthritis Foundation. Disease Center. Osteoarthritis. Accessed September 8, 2013. http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/osteoarthritis/
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- Derry S., Moore RA., Rabbie R. Topical NSAIDs for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;9:CD007400. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007400.pub2
- Up to Date. Patient Information: Osteoarthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics). Accessed September 7, 2013. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/osteoarthritis-treatment-beyond-the-basics
- Wandel S, Juni P, Tendal B, et al. Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, or placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee: Network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2010;341:c4675
- National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Osteoarthritis. Accessed September 9, 2013. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000423.htm
- Abou-Raya S, Abou-Raya M, Helmii M. Duloxetine for the management of pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: randomized, placeb-controlled trial. Age Aging. 2012;41:646-52.
- PsychCentral. Research News. 3/29/2013. Antidepressant Cymbalta Helps Alleviate Osteoarthritis Pain. Accessed September 9, 2013. http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/03/31/antidepressant-cymbalta-helps-alleviate-osteoarthritis-pain/36506.html
- Wang TJ, Belza B, Thompson E, et al. Effects of aquatic exercise on flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. J Adv Nurs. 2007;57:141-52.