1
Myth
Arthritis is only an old person's disease.
Fact
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and juvenile arthritis commonly start between 20 and 45, and children can be affected. Age is a risk factor, not a requirement.
Myths vs facts
These beliefs are common and understandable — but acting on them costs joints. Share this page with family who make decisions about your care — wherever you live. Pick a language to read them translated.
2
Myth
Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
Fact
Studies find no link between knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis. Joint injury, obesity, genetics and infection matter far more.
3
Myth
Once diagnosed, you should stop moving to protect the joints.
Fact
Inactivity weakens the muscles that support joints and worsens stiffness. Regular low-impact movement reduces pain and disability.
4
Myth
Arthritis is spiritual affliction or witchcraft.
Fact
Arthritis has measurable biological causes — cartilage damage or an immune system attacking joint lining. Faith can support coping, but it does not replace diagnosis and treatment.
5
Myth
Herbal mixtures alone can cure arthritis.
Fact
No herbal mixture reverses joint damage, and some concoctions contain hidden steroids that harm kidneys and bones. Tell your doctor about anything you take.
6
Myth
If pain stops, you can stop your medicine.
Fact
Disease-modifying drugs like methotrexate work quietly in the background. Stopping without advice often triggers a flare and new joint damage.
7
Myth
Eating tomatoes or pepper causes arthritis.
Fact
There is no strong evidence that nightshades cause arthritis. Excess salt, sugar, alcohol and very high body weight are the diet factors with real evidence.
8
Myth
Injections at the chemist are the fastest fix.
Fact
Unsupervised steroid injections can destroy cartilage and raise blood sugar. Injections have a place, but only from a trained clinician after assessment.