It is easy to imagine that arthritis is an inevitable a part of getting older that solely kicks in when you attain a sure age.
However the reality is that rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is not linked to ageing in any respect, and is a really misunderstood situation.
That is in line with the Nationwide Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) which is utilizing this Rheumatoid Arthritis Consciousness Week (September 12-17) to focus on the numerous myths surrounding the illness - which, opposite to well-liked perception, doesn’t simply have an effect on the joints.
RA is a situation that may have an effect on the entire physique, together with eyes, nerves, blood vessels and muscle tissues. Though joint ache is the commonest symptom, it will probably additionally trigger widespread issues similar to fatigue and flu-like signs.
Stuart Munday, director of promoting on the NRAS, stated: "This yr, RA Consciousness Week is trying to dispel the myths that encompass rheumatoid arthritis, a hidden situation that's fairly misunderstood.
"The RA group, their households and carers and healthcare professionals are solely too conscious of the misconceptions individuals have about inflammatory arthritis, which is why we’ve created the #RAFactOrFiction quiz to share with others and unfold consciousness."
So what are a few of these myths? Listed here are 5 issues about RA that everybody ought to cease believing.
1. Rheumatoid arthritis is attributable to put on and tear on the joints
One other frequent kind of arthritis – osteoarthritis – is attributable to joint put on and tear and is related to ageing.
However RA is totally different and happens when the immune system assaults the liner of the joints, inflicting ache, swelling and stiffness.
"RA is an autoimmune situation that’s a results of the immune system responding inappropriately," defined Stuart. "The immune system doesn’t know when to cease doing its job so mistakenly assaults the synovial membrane across the joints, inflicting ache and swelling, and may have an effect on different organs."
2. Solely older individuals get rheumatoid arthritis
Though it’s acquired a unique identify, kids can get a type of inflammatory arthritis much like rheumatoid arthritis, often known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Throughout maturity, RA can doubtlessly have an effect on individuals of all ages.
Stuart defined: "The commonest age for individuals to develop RA is between 40 and 60, or a bit older for males. Folks can get it at any age and there are different types of inflammatory arthritis, however RA is the commonest."
3. Rheumatoid arthritis is extra frequent in males
This isn’t true. In actual fact, Stuart says it’s believed RA impacts roughly two to a few occasions extra ladies than males.
4. Solely people get rheumatoid arthritis
Pets like cats and canine can get a type of arthritis known as immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA).
Stuart defined: "Research have proven that sure animals might be affected by immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA). RA is a type of IMPA in individuals."
5. Smoking doesn’t have an effect on it
Smoking can harm well being in many alternative methods, and one in all them is by rising the danger of RA.
"Smoking can doubtlessly double the probabilities of creating RA," Stuart burdened. "As soon as identified, if somebody continues to smoke, it will probably cut back the effectiveness of treatment by as much as 50%, resulting in elevated joint ache and irritation."
Do not miss the newest information from round Scotland and past - signal as much as our every day e-newsletterright here.
READ NEXT:
Prostate most cancers signs as new therapy given inexperienced mild in Scotland
Inside Matt Lucas' weight reduction journey as Bake Off star wows followers with slimmed down look