If you are dealing with pain in your knees, you may suspect that you have osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in one or both of your knees. You may experience pain on occasion with distressful flare-ups or an ongoing ache that limits your flexibility. As you look into what knee arthritis is all about, you may get advice and information from well-meaning friends and family. The problem is that sometimes, that information is more of a myth than reality. Here are a few of the most common myths and the straight story you need.
Myth #1 – You have knee arthritis because you overused your knees.
The reality is that although some repetitious, extreme usage results in an increased chance for knee arthritis, there are also active people who are no more likely to get arthritis than someone more sedentary. For example, long-distance runners don’t appear to fall victim as often as you might suspect.
Myth #2 – Knee arthritis is worse for men than women.
The opposite is actually true. Women tend to experience more severe joint pain, more limitations, and are more psychological distressed when dealing with knee arthritis than men are. They are also more likely to seek medical care.
Myth #3 – You just have to live with the pain related to knee arthritis.
This is a resounding NO! There is much that can be done to alleviate the pain and increase mobility, even in moderate to severe knee arthritis cases. The first step is determining which type of arthritis you have and then developing a treatment plan utilizing a variety of approaches.
Here at Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, Ontario, we start with diagnosing your condition, as well as its severity. We have the experience and knowledge to come up with an effective treatment plan that addresses your short and long-term goals. Call today to schedule an appointment to get any questions you may have addressed.