Canada Running Series – Busting four myths about arthritis

As one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, arthritis is also one of the most misunderstood. While the many myths surrounding it may flourish, The Arthritis Society sets the record straight here on four of the most common misconceptions:

• Myth #1 — Arthritis is one disease.

  In fact, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. Some types are caused by joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. The most prevalent type is osteoarthritis (OA), which affects more than three million Canadians. It progresses when cartilage, the material covering and protecting the ends of bones, begins to wear away and results in joint dysfunction.

• Myth #2 — Arthritis is just aches and pains.

  In fact, arthritis ranks first among women and second among men for causes of disability in Canada. Severe joint pain and inflammation, as well as fatigue are common symptoms of the disease. Arthritis can inhibit daily activities most people take for granted.

• Myth #3 — Arthritis is a disease of the elderly.

  In fact, it can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background. Of the 4.6 million Canadians with arthritis, about 60 per cent are of working age. Approximately 61,500 children live with the intense pain and disability of this disease. Children's arthritis can be more common than other well-known chronic childhood illnesses such as leukemia, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.

• Myth # 4 — Arthritis is not costly.

  Reports estimate that it costs the Canadian economy more than $33 billion annually in health-care expenses and lost work days. Over a quarter of men and women with arthritis, between the ages of 25 and 44 years, are not in the workforce. Within 30 years it is projected that a new diagnosis of OA will occur every minute, meaning that 30 percent of the labour force will have difficulty working.

Reliable arthritis information is just a click away

The Arthritis Society's website (www.arthritis.ca) gives visitors customized information about their type of illness as well as the options for treatment with advice from experts. More information is available at 1-800-321-1433.

On the Run — Exercise and Arthritis

Some of the many questions we get asked at The Arthritis Society are about the relationship between running and arthritis — for example, are runners more likely to get arthritis, and should people with arthritis still run for exercise.

There's good news for both runners and walkers, according to many recent studies. For example, according to a new study that will be published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the risk of osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) was analyzed in 90,000 participants. The lead researcher, Dr. Paul Williams reports that those study participants who ran more than 12 kilometres a week were more than 18% less likely to develop osteoarthritis. Those who ran even further distances showed similar results.

Recent research indicates that exercise actually protects joints from osteoarthritis since activities such as running or jogging lubricate joints, like oil to a rusty hinge. As well, muscles and ligaments hold together our joints, and they are strengthened through exercise, as the cartilage layer can thicken and provide more joint protection.

If there was ever an example of the benefits of running, it would be local elite runner, BJ McHugh, who has likely passed more than a few runners on her way to setting multiple age-group records at 85. In fact, BJ is part of a study on successful ageing at McGill University, along with other familiar names such as Ed Whitlock, Olga Kotelko, Violet Holmes and others. Researchers will be attempting to find out what makes this group physiologically and cognitively superior to other people in their age group.

For more information on exercise and arthritis, please click here.

Source:  Canada Running Series