What’s Your Arthritis IQ?

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, so it’s time to ask … what’s your arthritis IQ?

Here’s an easy way to find out: Take this short arthritis quiz and see how you do.

Ready? Let’s go!

1. Exercise is not an effective treatment for arthritis. (True/False)
2. Once you have arthritis it’s only going to get worse, and there’s nothing you can do about it. (True/False)
3. Only people over the age of 55 get arthritis. (True/False)
4. Almost two-thirds of people with arthritis have mild joint pain, or no pain at all. (True/False)
5. Arthritis doesn’t really affect working people. (True/False)
6. People who have arthritis often have diabetes. (True/False)
7. Surgery is the main way of treating arthritis. (True/False)
8. Arthritis is caused by calcium buildup in your joints. (True/False)
9. People who have arthritis often have joints that are bone-on-bone. (True/False)
10. The rate of arthritis is greatest in cold northern states like Wisconsin. (True/False)
11. Arthritis can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. (True/False)
12. People who have joints replaced due to arthritis can do almost everything they did before a joint replacement, including low-impact activities like biking, swimming, and golfing.
13. If my fingers hurt in the morning, it’s probably arthritis. (True/False)
14. Seeing an orthopedist is a great way to understand your options for dealing with arthritis. (True/False)

Okay – here are the answers!

1. Exercise is not an effective treatment for arthritis. FALSE! According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical activity can help relieve arthritis symptoms that limit activities.” Exercises that uses gentle rotational movements, like riding an exercise bike with no resistance, are great for people with arthritis, as are water exercises and stretching.
2. Once you have arthritis it’s only going to get worse, and there’s nothing you can do about it. FALSE! You can slow or even stop the progression of arthritis through exercise, lifestyle modifications, and the judicious use of over-the-counter pain relievers. The CDC is also working to improve the quality of life for adults with arthritis by promoting physical activity, education, and self-management.
3. Only people over the age of 55 get arthritis. FALSE! According to the Arthritis Foundation, “Almost 300,000 babies, kids and teens have arthritis or a rheumatic condition.” In total, almost 59 million adults – nearly 25% – have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and that number includes almost 20% of working-age adults.
4. Almost two-thirds of people with arthritis have mild joint pain, or no pain at all. TRUE! A recent CDC study found that only 33% of people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis have severe joint pain.
5. Arthritis doesn’t really affect working people. FALSE! Almost a third of working-age people with arthritis have limitations in their ability to work, the type of work they can do and how long they can work. People with arthritis miss around 72 million workdays every year, which costs workers more than $156 billion annually.
6. People who have arthritis often have diabetes. TRUE! According to the Arthritis Foundation, 52% of adults with diabetes have arthritis. It doesn’t stop there; arthritis is also correlated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.
7. Surgery is the main way of treating arthritis. FALSE! Stevens Point Orthopedics has many ways short of surgery to lessen the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Viscosupplementation injections can be used to lubricate joints, particularly the knee. Physical therapy focuses on getting your muscles and joints to work together properly to help you move with less pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) or can relieve inflammation and control pain. For severe inflammation, a short burst of a steroid medication or a cortisone injection may be an option. Braces can help support joints and help lessen pain … and if all of those are unsuccessful, then surgery is an option.
8. Arthritis is caused by calcium buildup in your joints. FALSE! Arthritis is caused by the wearing away of hard cartilage surface that covers the ends of many bones and helps them move easily and without pain.
9. People who have arthritis often have joints that are bone-on-bone. TRUE! When cartilage wears away, bones are literally rubbing on other bones, leading to arthritis pain.
10. The rate of arthritis is greatest in cold northern states like Wisconsin. FALSE! Actually, CDC stats show the rate of arthritis is highest in the southeastern United States.
11. Arthritis is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. TRUE! One-third of people with arthritis also suffer from anxiety or depression.
12. People who have joints replaced due to arthritis can do almost everything they did before a joint replacement, including low-impact activities like biking, swimming, and golfing. TRUE! With a partial knee replacement, performed at Stevens Point Orthopedics, people can return to activity after healing from the surgery.
13. If my fingers hurt in the morning, it’s probably arthritis. FALSE! Pain in your fingers could have many causes, including arthritis. Stevens Point Orthopedics has experts in evaluating finger pain.
14. Seeing an orthopedist is a great way to understand your options for dealing with arthritis. TRUE! As you’ve seen, SPO has many ways to help you deal with even severe arthritis pain. Contact us today to arrange an appointment, so we can start you on the path to a life with less pain.