Arthritis is a common condition affecting about 20% of the US population. Despite this fact — or perhaps because of it — myths and misconceptions surrounding arthritis abound. Unfortunately, many of these myths can contribute to more pain and a decreased quality of life for people struggling with the condition.

At IMG Physical Therapy, we want to help dispel some of these myths. By understanding the intricacies of arthritis, you can better manage your symptoms and live a full, active life.

Keep reading to find out some surprising facts about arthritis. And if you’d like to learn more about the role of physical therapy in arthritis management, call our clinic to schedule an appointment today!

Myth 1: There’s Only One Type of Arthritis

We often talk about arthritis as if it’s one condition, but the word actually refers to over 100 distinct conditions, all of which cause inflammation in the joints. The most common type of arthritis worldwide is osteoarthritis, a degenerative form primarily affecting older people. Because it’s so common, people sometimes use “arthritis” and “osteoarthritis” interchangeably, but they are two distinct terms.

It’s important to recognize the different types of arthritis because they can cause slightly different symptoms and complications. For example, rheumatoid arthritis (the second most common form of arthritis) is an autoimmune condition that can cause fatigue and fever alongside painful joints.

Myth 2: All Joint Pain is Some Type of Arthritis

Actually, there are many reasons why someone might experience joint pain. Overuse injuries, ligament tears, and bursitis can all trigger pain and restricted mobility in your joints.

If you’re struggling with persistent pain in a joint, your best bet is to schedule an appointment at IMG Physical Therapy. Our physical therapists will perform a comprehensive assessment and can let you know for certain what’s causing your symptoms.

Myth 3: Arthritis Pain is a Normal Part of Aging

Because the most common form of arthritis primarily affects older people, many assume that arthritis pain is an inevitable part of growing older. In reality, 53% of adults aged 65 or older haven’t been diagnosed with arthritis. Even among people 80 or older, around 43% don’t have a diagnosis.

Age is certainly connected to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, but you have options for preventing its development. Furthermore, developing arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to suffer.

Myth 4: There’s Nothing You Can Do About Arthritis Pain

Along with Myth #5, this is one of the biggest myths out there. While it’s true the most common types of arthritis have no cure, you can manage your symptoms and delay the condition’s progression — all without surgery, too!

Physical therapy is one of your options. We can help you manage your pain through manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Diet also plays a role; eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help minimize joint inflammation.

Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Exercise If You Have Arthritis

Of all the arthritis myths, this is probably the one that has done the most damage. While it might seem logical on the surface, especially if you have osteoarthritis, exercise and movement actually protect you against arthritis pain!

Staying active throughout can help prevent arthritis from developing in the first place. But if you’ve already developed the condition, regular physical activity is essential in reducing your pain and mobility restrictions.

The key is to ensure you perform low-impact activities that don’t put too much stress on your joints. The team at IMG Physical Therapy can help you find the right exercise program to suit your needs.

Myth 6: Weather Changes Cause Arthritis Pain

Surprisingly, the myth might have some truth to it. While weather doesn’t cause arthritis pain, studies show that some rheumatoid arthritis patients experience slightly increased symptoms in cooler weather.

Separate Truth From Fiction with IMG Physical Therapy

Our team is here to help you manage your arthritis pain. We’ll let you know what works, what doesn’t, and help you find a customized solution that meets your needs.

Call to make your appointment today!

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Hello loyal readers,

I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying May weather, the flowers, and preparing for the Summer. This month my middle child, Mackenzie, turns 21. So hard to believe. Some of you have had the opportunity to work with her at the office over the past few summers. She will not even be home as she will be on a plane to Italy for 6 weeks for a study abroad. With all that is going on, do not forget to give your mother a “handwritten” card to show her your appreciation. Handwritten is always more meaningful than a store-bought card that someone else created. The myth that Mother’s Day was created by the card companies is false. It was created by Anna Jarvis in 1905 to honor her mother who had passed away and was made a National Holiday by Woodrow Wilson in 1914!!!

Speaking of mothers, there is a myth that you inherit arthritis from your parents. While many things do have a genetic component to them, arthritis is something that for most of us, you earned all by yourself. Arthritis is simply wear and tear of your joints. The cartilage starts to shed and leaves your bones exposed. This can lead to pain and swelling. This isn’t a single event; and often can be the result of an old injury and following abuse on that particular body part. Arthritis is not a death sentence. We cannot “cure” arthritis. What we can do is strengthen up the areas around the painful joint to help decrease the load on the joint itself. Often that can help to turn back time. I have very arthritic knees and probably shoulder and back too. The laser has been a huge blessing. You think we bought it for our patients? Yes we did; however, we all like the benefits as well.

Hopefully this month will bring a healthy new grandchild to an employee at the office. To find out who it is and the name of the child, stop by the office and ask. You will be entered in a contest with the winner getting a free tube of Stopain for those arthritic pains. Stopain is the strongest topical rub on the market without a prescription. It is twice as strong as what you can buy in the stores. With 10% Menthol and Glucosamine and MSM, it works great on the joints and your achy muscles. We have so many past patients who swear by the benefits of Stopain, that I think some are starting to bathe in the stuff. Honestly, we have to order supplies every 1-2 weeks it sells that fast.

As always, our staff / family here at IMG-PT wishes you and your family a Happy, Safe, and most importantly a Healthy Mother’s Day!

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Patient Spotlight

”I was exhausting my options for my back pain. After fusion surgery, I was frustrated with the weakness I felt and the pain that lingered. I attended a free consultation at Fleet Feet with Chris and I liked what he had to say and appreciated the explanation on how he could help me. I also checked up on the practice with a friend and patient of IMG-PT and she said she wouldn’t go anywhere else. I felt as though they listened to my concerns, addressed my questions, and made sure I was following through with my exercises. Thank you, and all the interns who were extremely helpful in my recovery (and to the friendly office staff!).”

—Kim M.

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