BUST THAT MYTH... about arthritis

Myth 1. If I have arthritis, there’s nothing I can do about it.

While there’s no cure yet for osteoarthritis, you can reduce pain and improve mobility with exercise, healthy diet, joint support and hydrotherapy.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, treatments such as anti-TNF drug therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Myth 2. Exercise will make my arthritis worse.

If your arthritis is painful, you may be reluctant to exercise. However, being active can reduce pain and stiffness, improve joint mobility, and boost energy and mood. The important thing is that you do the right type of exercise following instructions from your physiotherapist.

Myth 3. Chilli peppers can help my joint pain.

Capsaicin, a medicinally-active component of chilli peppers, is licensed in the UK for osteoarthritis. Capsaicin is available on prescription in the form of gels, creams and plasters. It works mainly by reducing Substance P, a pain transmitter in your nerves.