Myth #1: RA mostly affects the elderly
RA is not an old-age disease. It can occur to middle-aged men and women as well. Also, there have been many cases of juvenile arthritis with symptoms, pain and disability similar to adult arthritis.
Myth #2: RA and osteoarthritis are same
Both are different diseases. The cause behind osteoarthritis is wear and tear of joints in old age or due to some injury. Contrary to this, RA isn’t age-specific and results from inflammatory autoimmune process, where malfunctioned immune system damages the body’s healthy tissues.
Myth #3: RA doesn’t shorten a patient’s life expectancy
It is a proven fact that RA shortens a patient’s lifespan. The disease is not limited to joint pains, inflammation and physical disability. It also leads to other severe health issues, such as cardiovascular problems, depression, lung infections, skin diseases and osteoporosis, which could result in premature death.
Myth #4: There are no effective treatments for RA
Several effective drug treatments, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been developed to reduce the symptoms of this disease. However, there isn’t a single or specific cure. Treatments are offered to improve mobility and lessen the pain. Also, the treatment varies, depending upon every patient’s immune system.
Myth #5: Treatment isn’t necessary in early stages of RA
Multiple clinical trials have proved that the destructive inflammatory process starts damaging joints, cartilage and bones right from the early stages of RA. Medical therapy using DMARDs and newer biologics must be given to RA patients as soon as the disease is diagnosed to prevent major disability or crippling in later stages.
Clearing certain misconceptions about RA, along with on-time diagnosis and treatment can help an RA patient to lead a normal and productive life. We, at Shushrusha Hospital, follow the best medical practises to provide relief to patients suffering from arthritic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Visit http://shushrusha.in/ and book an appointment with our rheumatologists.