9 Psoriatic Arthritis Myths Debunked
Dealing with psoriatic arthritis can often prove quite cumbersome given the fact there come associated with it a lot of myths and misconceptions. The prominent mistake which people usually make when dealing with psoriatic arthritis is the total misinterpretation of its symptoms for some other type of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Listed below are 9 psoriatic arthritis myths about which people are unaware since a long time. Myth 1: Psoriatic arthritis is curable. Fact: According to the research conducted by a rheumatologist at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, psoriatic arthritis cannot be cured but can be delayed and controlled. This particular medical condition has a chronic behavior and can only be controlled up to an extent with the incorporation of the correct treatment.
Myth 2: Psoriatic arthritis is highly characteristic of its joint problems. Fact: As per the opinion of the Arthritis Foundation, those who suffer from psoriatic arthritis also have a mild condition of psoriasis which typically involves skin rashes and pitted nails. This condition is also responsible for significant inflammation of the eyes, and hardening of ligaments. In some cases, it is also known to cause depression, lung problems, etc.
Myth 3: Psoriatic arthritis affects everyone equally. Fact: Psoriatic arthritis comes in varying intensities – from mild to highly severe and is markedly different for different individuals.
Myth 4: Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are accompanying medical conditions. Fact: It is not necessarily true that those who have psoriatic arthritis also suffer from psoriasis. According to the American college of rheumatology, around 15 to 30 percent of cases which have psoriasis subsequently develop psoriatic arthritis. Hence, it is not necessary that those who have psoriatic arthritis necessarily suffer from psoriasis too.
Myth 5: Greater the severity of psoriasis, greater is the severity of psoriatic arthritis. Fact: Frankly speaking, this particular observation is not necessarily true for everyone. It varies from individual to individual and is totally determined by the corresponding body’s immune system.
Myth 6: Psoriasis is highly contagious. Fact: Psoriasis is non-contagious, neither is psoriatic arthritis.
Myth 7: Psoriatic arthritis worsens with exercise routines. Fact: Contrary to the existing myth, it is believed that exercise in moderation can relieve the joint pains in the body, and provide for greater flexibility (according to the National Psoriasis foundation).
Myth 8: Psoriatic arthritis always leads to deformation of joints. Fact: With the correct treatment, deformation of joints can be easily avoided. However, those who had consumed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and stopped the intake after achieving the remission for the same stand at a higher risk of joint deformation.
Myth 9: Always stick to one treatment strategy. Fact: Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary that if one particular treatment has worked for you in the past, it will work for you in the future too. One needs to look for better treatment plans with the passage of time for ensuring a better health on the whole.