If you’re one of the millions of people across the UK who suffer from osteoarthritis, you know it can be a difficult condition to manage and can often leave you unable to participate in activities with your family or get enjoyment out of activities you once loved.
You probably also have a few misconceptions about osteoarthritis that you’ve heard from healthcare providers, friends, and family, or through the internet such as “It’s a natural part of aging” or “There’s nothing that can be done to treat it”…WRONG!
In this blog post, the 4 most common osteoarthritis myths you’ve been hearing over the years are going to be dispelled and we’ll clarify the TRUTH about the condition you’re living with.
4 Of The Most Common Osteoarthritis Myths Busted!
Myth 1: Osteoarthritis Is A ‘Wear And Tear’ Disease
Traditional thinking is that osteoarthritis is a condition that comes from the wear and tear of your body as it gets older, with increased pressure on joints leading to cartilage loss.
This is simply not true.
New evidence suggests that this disease affects the whole of the joint including muscles, cartilage, and bone. In addition to this, it’s also been found that changes in muscles and bones due to the condition can be reversed!
Sadly, this osteoarthritis myth causes some people with the diagnosis to cease all physical activity out of fear that they’re doing more damage than good, but the best thing you can do for your joints, and your future, is to keep moving!
Myth 2: You’re Destined For Surgery
Once diagnosed with this often tiresome disease, you will probably hear from friends and family that you’ll need surgery to recover from osteoarthritis… FALSE!
In some cases, yes, surgery is needed. But it is always the last option!
As we’ve already mentioned, exercise can be one of the ways to repair damage or improve symptoms of this disease, but physiotherapy is also another option to try before you think about risky surgeries!
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis will help you focus on building up strength in areas where your muscles are weak and susceptible to the effects of osteoarthritis while reducing your pain so that you can get stuck into the hobbies you had to let go of for a while and live life to the fullest!
Myth 3: You Have To Lose Weight
Here is another of the osteoarthritis myths we hear all the time in clinics from patients who are worried about what they hear from other people and often healthcare professionals too.
You do NOT always have to lose weight to better manage this condition.
In some cases, losing weight is a great option as it can remove any extra pressure your joints are feeling because of excess weight, in turn, you can move more and become fitter as well as more independent.
If you don’t need to lose any weight, that’s great! You’re already in a good position to manage symptoms and even improve your condition enough to remain independent and live an active lifestyle.
Myth 4: You MUST Rest
As you will be able to tell by now, this is truly the biggest of the osteoarthritis myths!
A combination of the fact new research that suggests osteoarthritis is not a wear and tear disease and movement is the answer to regaining independence and a more enjoyable lifestyle means resting for long periods of time isn’t the answer!
You will have heard people tell you to slow down, or activity will make the disease progress faster.
So now you know these osteoarthritis myths have been busted, you can look forward to focusing on the things you CAN do! You could get out in the garden, play with the grandchildren or even plan your next holiday.
Want Expert Help To Manage Your Osteoarthritis?
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to improve your osteoarthritis but nothing seems to be helping your pain and stiffness?
It could be time to consider physiotherapy as a treatment option to help you overcome some of your pain and look forward to a future of independence!
Right now, we’re offering you the chance to be a part of our 3-month ‘Be Active With Arthritis’ program where we cover 3 key areas for managing your osteoarthritis, advice, and education, exercise in both resistance, cardio, and weight loss where appropriate.
If you’re looking for some extra support to proactively manage your condition and improve your quality of life, this is an amazing program for you!
If you want to know more about our 3-month ‘Be Active With Arthritis’ program, we offer a free 30-minute telephone consultation where you can ask any questions you may have and find out more information.
Arrange your free telephone consultation by calling our Lucan clinic at 086 787 6358.
Other Free Resources For Osteoarthritis
We have a FREE ‘The Osteoarthritis Guidebook’ – Call us at 086 787 6358 to get yourself a copy of our free ebook and it will help you to get clarity on the best evidence approach to managing your diagnosis naturally.
Read Our Blog – Exercise With Osteoarthritis: Support Joints And Strengthen Muscles
Read Our Blog – 4 Tips To Manage Osteoarthritis Naturally And Maintain Your Independence
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