By Erika Bennett, PT, DPT
MYTH: All Joint Pain is Arthritis.
Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. It may be linked to bursitis, gout, fracture, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), sepsis, tendonitis, or a muscle sprain. Do not write off joint pain as arthritis, some conditions should be addressed immediately. It is important to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and ask for a referral to skilled physical therapy to address joint pain.
MYTH: Exercise Makes OA Worse.
People with osteoarthritis should match the type and amount of physical activity to their abilities and the severity of their condition. Most people can usually tolerate doing moderate-intensity activity for 150 minutes a week or more, such as being active 3 to 5 days a week for 30 to 60 minutes per episode. Studies indicate that walking up to 10,000 steps per day does not appear to worsen osteoarthritis of the knee. Some people with osteoarthritis can safely do more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week and may be able to tolerate vigorous-intensity activity. People with osteoarthritis can do activities that are low impact, not painful, and have low risk of joint injury such as swimming, walking, tai chi, and many muscle strengthening exercises that can reduce pain. Make an appointment with a Physical Therapist to create an individualized home exercise program to reduce pain.
MYTH: Rain or Bad Weather Makes OA Worse.
Many people believe that changes in weather conditions—including increases in humidity, rainfall, or barometric pressure—lead to worsening symptoms arthritis. Several studies have explored the relation between various weather patterns and joint pain, reaching mixed conclusions. Evidence is not strong enough to indicate correlation between the weather and arthritic pain. People may not move around as much as they usually do when the weather is rainy, contributing to increased muscle stiffness and pain.
MYTH: Ice or Heat makes OA Worse.
Application of heat to the muscles for 15 minutes can ease stiffness and increase muscle elasticity. Heat on the affected joint before exercise can be beneficial to reducing joint pains. Application of ice for at least 15 minutes prior to exercise can help by reducing inflammation to the joint. Arthritis is an inflammatory process within the joints, and ice can reduce swelling. Using heat and ice is a non-invasive way to improve pain symptoms from arthritis.
MYTH: Only Old People Get Osteoarthritis.
While most people diagnosed with osteoarthritis are older than 65 years of age, all ages can experience OA. Athletes after injuries affecting the joints such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can be at increased risk for OA. Those who are overweight and people who have strenuous jobs have increased pressure and torque through joints when moving which can also contribute to OA.
The Good News?
Many people have x-rays or MRIs that indicate OA. This doesn’t mean you are destined for a life of pain. Strengthening the muscles around the painful joint, learning proper movement and joint protective strategies are just a few of the techniques that our physical therapists use to help you better manage your pain and keep on moving. Call our office today for an evaluation by one of our skilled therapists.