Many people assume arthritis is just an ‘old person’s’ disease, and an inevitable part of getting older. Try telling that to the parents of toddlers impacted by the condition, or the 20-somethings living with it. The suggestion that it only troubles the elderly is one of many myths associated with arthritis, which affects around 10 million people in the UK. “One in six people live with the pain, fatigue, and disability arthritis can cause. The impact can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently,” says Deborah Alsina, chief executive at the arthritis support charity Versus Arthritis, speaking to mark Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (September 11–17). “There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding arthritis, but by shining a light on the reality of living with arthritis day in, day out, we can help grow understanding and inspire people to take action.” Dr Amara Ezeonyeji, consultant rheumatologist from The Lister Hospital in London (part of HCA Healthcare UK), adds: “Arthritis is a general term that refers to a group of over 100 different types of inflammatory joint diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, but it can also cause stiffness, swelling, and decreased joint mobility.” She says the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often associated with wear and tear of the joints. Other common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints; psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis which primarily affects the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae; and gout, which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and often affects the big toe. “There are several myths about arthritis that are often repeated. It’s important to dispel these to promote an accurate understanding of arthritis, and to encourage those affected to seek appropriate medical care and support from a rheumatologist,” Ezeonyeji adds. Here, Alsina and Ezeonyeji debunk nine common arthritis myths… Myth 1: Arthritis only affects the elderly While it is more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. Myth 2: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritisPeople who crack their knuckles will sometimes be wrongly warned that it’ll bring on arthritis, but Ezeonyeji explains: “There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to the development of arthritis. When people crack their knuckles, they experience a release of pressure in the joints and relaxation in the surrounding muscles. It can make the joint feel more mobile and is unlikely to cause arthritis or other problems.” Myth 3: It’s just wear and tearAlsina says one of the most damaging myths is that any form of arthritis is just ‘wear and tear’. “Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and will affect half of us by age 70. But it isn’t an inevitable part of ageing – your joints are not like car tyres destined to wear down and be replaced. They are made of complex living tissue that our bodies constantly repair and maintain, and osteoarthritis occurs when our bodies can no longer do this effectively,” she says. “Our joints get stronger the more we use them, so keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep osteoarthritis under control.” Myth 4: Cold damp weather causes arthritisAlthough cold and damp weather can sometimes make arthritic joints feel worse, it’s definitely not why arthritis starts. Ezeonyeji explains: “Weather can influence joint discomfort, but it doesn’t cause arthritis. Arthritis is primarily a result of genetic and environmental factors.” Myth 5: Exercise makes arthritis worse People with arthritis can often find it hard to maintain regular physical activity, but a lack of movement can actually increase symptoms such as stiffness and pain, warns Alsina. “Building activity into your daily routine can help improve this, because using your joints builds muscle strength and improves the blood supply, all of which can ease symptoms and keep joints in better shape for longer.” She says different activities will suit different people, but adds: “Swimming and cycling are great exercises to try, as they get the body moving without putting pressure on painful joints.” It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you. Myth 6: Arthritis is just joint pain – it’s not serious Ezeonyeji says that while arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to joints,” she points out. Myth 7: There’s no treatment for arthritis While there’s no cure for arthritis, Ezeonyeji says there are many effective treatments for managing the disease, including pain relief medication, physiotherapy, disease modifying agents and biological drugs for inflammatory arthritis, plus joint surgery in some cases. “It’s also recommended that people with arthritis modify their lifestyle and try to lose weight [if they need to], follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking,” she adds. Myth 8: Miracle cures can make arthritis disappear Although some people with arthritis believe copper or magnetic bracelets ease symptoms, Alsina says studies show no evidence to support this. “It’s the same with lots of supplements, and some of these are really pricey,” she observes. “Interestingly though, placebos can be very effective and continue to work even if you know it’s a placebo, so if you find these helpful there’s no reason to stop.” Myth 9: Certain foods definitely help/hinder arthritisThere are claims that foods like tomatoes can cause arthritis flares, and other foodstuff like cider vinegar may help it. Alsina says: “Sadly there’s no good evidence that there are specific foods you should avoid or have more of. But if you do find things that are helpful or make your symptoms worse, then listen to your body.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream All the times Kate has channelled the late Queen’s style since her death

While the food looked yummy, fans flooded Roker’s comment section as they praised his new ‘cooking skills’ and suggest him for a new career choice

2024 isn't here quite yet, but daters are already working on their "sexolutions," according to

Hospital chiefs on Wednesday warned of danger to patient safety from the latest doctors strike, the first time consultants and junior doctors in England have...

Encrypted messaging service Signal is now testing usernames, which will offer people a more private

Allyson Felix is not a loud person. Despite being the most-decorated US athlete in track and field history

Cricket is such a divisive sport. Some dedicated followers of all sorts of sports just

Our top picks this week Best headphones deal Beats Studio3 wireless noise-canceling over-ear headphones (opens

Heatwaves across Asia and beyond have already broken records this year, while the arrival of the El Nino climate phenomenon will...

Just when you think Warner Bros. has surely run out of creepy promotional footage from

Nestlé USA is recalling a “limited quantity” of its Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough “break and bake” after fragmented pieces of wood were found in some packages. On 10 August, the food and drink corporation announced the news in a press release published on its website. According to the company, it had identified two batches of the 16.5 oz product produced on 24 and 25 April as being the reason for the recall, “due to the potential presence of wood fragments”. “This recall does not involve any other Nestlé Toll House products, including other varieties of refrigerated cookie dough in ‘break and bake’ bars, rolls, or tubs, or Edible cookie dough,” the statement read. Nestlé directed consumers’ attention to the recalled batch codes to avoid, both 16.5 oz bags with 311457531K or 311557534K. The company warned people who have already purchased these batches to “not prepare or consume the product” and urged them to “return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a replacement or refund”. There have been no reported injuries or illnesses related to the recall, according to the confectioners. “We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution after a small number of consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue,” the release proclaimed. “The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.” Nestlé also said it is in contact with the US Drug and Food Administration (FDA) about the recall, according to their press release. Anyone in need of support or with any further questions is encouraged to contact the company’s customer service line at (800) 681-1678 Monday through Friday, between 9am and 6pm ET. The recall comes after Nestlé voluntarily recalled its Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling because of the “potential presence of white plastic pieces” in October of 2022. The Independent has contacted Nestlé for further comment. Read More Advocates sue federal government for failing to ban imports of cocoa harvested by children Sugary cereals and yoghurts must remove child-friendly packaging – health group Nestle reveals reason behind price increase of its most popular chocolate bar

There's a reason the queer community loves horror. Sure, the spooks and campy thrills are