MARC - Myths & Facts about Arthritis & Rheumatism (What Causes it, Who Gets it, How treated)


Arthritis are caused by non-medical factors, e.g. 'bad wind', too much bathing, taking a bath in the evening, allergy to certain foods, heavy metals in food or the environment, ingesting cold food or drinks, or air-conditioning.		There is no evidence to indicate that climatic factors (such as cold, wet or wind) or too much bathing cause arthritis though changes in barometric pressures may make joints feel worse. Similarly, arthritis is not caused by particular foods, cold food or drinks, heavy metals in food or the environment, or air-conditioning.

Arthritis are hereditary.		These conditions are seldom passed on directly from parent to child, although some families seem to be susceptible to certain types of arthritis.

Arthritis are caused by bathing or overworking during the first weeks after having a baby.		These conditions are not caused by bathing or overworking in the weeks after giving birth and women can safely bathe during this time without putting themselves at risk of developing arthritis.

Arthritis are diseases of the bone only.		Although the symptoms of arthritis generally originate around the ends of bones and in the joints, patients may develop low-grade fever, and feel tired or generally unwell.

All arthritic diseases are 'gouty' diseases.		Gout is a specific type of arthritis caused by urate crystals forming in the joints (usually in the feet). Gout attacks are often sudden in onset and extremely painful. Other types of arthritis are generally slower in onset and are not caused by urate crystals in the joint the majority of people with raised uric acid do not have and will never get gout .

Arthritis and rheumatism are caused by particular foods, e.g. animal internal organs (such as heart or liver), nuts, dairy foods, acidic foods (e.g tomatoes).		Gout is associated with diets high in purines (high levels of purines are found in animal internal organs, meat extracts, and oily fish), but there is no evidence that particular foods cause other arthritic conditions.

Arthritis and rheumatism are caused by aging.		Some types of arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) can occur at any age. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that tends to manifest itself with advancing years.

Arthritis and rheumatism are caused by cracking one's knuckles.		Prolonged overuse of particular joints (usually in certain occupations) may increase the risk of arthritis in those joints. But periodic cracking of one's knuckles is not a risk factor for arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by some sort of infection.		There is some research to suggest that certain bacteria and viruses are associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. It is like y to be a complex interaction between biological (possibly infective), hormonal and genetic factors.

Arthritis originate in the uterus.		Arthritis are musculoskeletal diseases, and do not originate from the reproductive organs.


Arthritis is a problem associated with living in large, polluted and stressful city environments.		Arthritis can affect anyone, no matter where they live. People in rural areas are just as likely to develop these types of conditions as are people in the city.

Arthritis is a diseases of the elderly, generally affecting people over the age of 60.		Arthritis can affect people of any age (even children!). With a particular type of arthritis (called osteoarthritis), early changes to the joints start occurring in the second and third decades of life, and the weight-bearing joints are affected in almost all people over the age of 40. However, most people do not develop symptoms until later in life (in the 60s and 70s).

Arthritis only occurs in females.		It is true that females are at higher risk of developing certain types of arthritis, such as lupus (inflammation of the skin/connective tissue) or rheumatoid arthritis. But other types of arthritis, such as gout or ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine) occur more commonly in males. Men and women are equally likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Children do not get arthritis.		Arthritis can affect people of any age, including children, although children only develop specific forms of arthritis (called juvenile chronic arthritis). The most common forms of arthritis occur in adults.

Nothing can be done to prevent arthritis.		Although the exact causes of arthritis are unknown, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy bodyweight reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Avoiding chronic stress on joints from over-use (e.g. during certain work-related activities) can also reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis. Some preventive measures have proven to be beneficial for patients who already have arthritis, e.g. charges in lifestyle may help to stop deterioration of their joints and avoid complications of the disease.


Joint injections are invariably harmful to joints.		Injections of corticosteroids into the joint are often very helpful for controlling local inflammation in particularly painful joints. However, the overuse of these injections should be avoided.

Antibiotics are useful for swollen joints.		Antibiotics are only useful for treating swollen joints caused by infection. Most forms of chronic arthritis do rot respond to antibiotic therapy.

All pain relievers are the same.		Pain relievers are the most common type of medication for arthritis, especially the ones doctors call nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs work in two ways: they reduce inflammation and they relieve pain. Although NSAIDs all work in a similar way, some are more likely to cause adverse effects than others are. Recently, new drugs have been developed (COX-2 selective or 'coxibs'), and these agents carry a much lower risk of causing stomach ulcers than older types of pain relievers.

People can get addicted to NSAIDs.		Unlike some other types of pain relieving drug, the NSAIDs are not addictive. Your doctor may need to increase the dose if your symptoms get worse, but this is not a sign of drug dependence.

Physical activities and exercise are bad for arthritis.		Physical activity is often painful for patients with arthritis, and they may be tempted to avoid exercise. However, regular gentle exercise maintains joint integrity and mobility. Many patients benefit from exercising in water, as this minimises the pressure on weight-bearing joints. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist about safe and gentle exercises for you.

Herbal or traditional medicines are safer and more effective than modern medicine; these include copper bracelets, magnets, trace elements (e.g. zinc, selenium), magic stones, eating cats, snake meat or venom, bee stings, tiger bones, eating ants, hot soaks, drinking urine or washing with urine.		There is no scientific evidence to support the use of traditional rnedicines in the management of arthritis and rheumatism.

Extracted from a publication of the Asia-Pacific Arthritis and Rheumatism Council (APARC)