5 Myths About Arthritis You Need to Stop Believing (And How to Actually Fix the Pain)

Are you someone who wakes up with stiff knees or avoids sitting on the floor during family gatherings? Arthritis is one of the most common medical terms we hear, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood.

"It is just old age." "I should stop walking to save my knees." "Surgery is the only way out."

These statements are not just wrong; they are dangerous. Believing these myths can stop you from seeking the help you need, trapping you in a cycle of pain and inactivity.

As an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Kolkata, Dr. Keshav Digga, see patients every day who have suffered silently for years because of this misinformation.

At Digga Healthcare, today we want to change the narrative. Arthritis is not a life sentence of pain. It is a manageable condition. Whether you are dealing with early-stage discomfort or advanced wear and tear, there is a path to relief right here in Kolkata.

In this detailed guide, we will debunk the top 5 myths about arthritis and explore the real, science-backed treatments available to get you back on your feet.

What is Arthritis?

Before we bust the myths, let us define what we are fighting. Arthritis is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions that cause inflammation in the joints.

In my practice as an osteoarthritis specialist in Kolkata, the two most common types I treat are:

Osteoarthritis (OA): The "wear and tear" arthritis. The smooth cartilage that cushions your bones wears down over time, causing bone to rub against bone. This is common in knees, hips, and the spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining.

Regardless of the type, the result is pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced motion. But the idea that nothing can be done is the biggest myth of all.

Myth #1: Arthritis is Only for Old People

The Truth: Arthritis does not check your birth date. While the risk increases with age, it is not exclusive to the elderly.

I frequently consult with patients in their 30s and 40s in my clinic who are shocked by their diagnosis. In a city like Kolkata, where sports like football and cricket are passions, we see a high number of young adults with Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

If you had a sports injury in your 20s—like an ACL tear or a meniscus injury—that joint is more likely to develop arthritis 10 to 15 years later. Furthermore, the rise of sedentary desk jobs has led to obesity and poor posture, accelerating joint degeneration in younger populations.

Why this matters: If you dismiss your pain because you think you are "too young" for arthritis, you miss the golden window for early intervention. Treating arthritis in its early stages is much easier and rarely requires surgery.

Myth #2: Exercise Makes Arthritis Worse

The Truth: This is perhaps the most damaging myth of all. The belief that you should "save" your joints by not using them is backward. Inactivity is the enemy of arthritis.

Think of your joint like a rusty door hinge. If you stop opening the door, the rust gets worse and the hinge seizes up. If you keep moving it, the movement keeps it loose.

The Science of "Motion is Lotion": Cartilage does not have a blood supply. It relies on the synovial fluid inside the joint for nutrients. This fluid only circulates when the joint compresses and releases during movement.

Weakness leads to pain: When you stop moving, the muscles around your joint (like the quadriceps for the knee) weaken. This means your joint takes 100% of the impact of every step.

Strength leads to relief: Strong muscles act as shock absorbers.

Dr. Digga’s Advice: I do not ask my patients to run marathons. I prescribe "smart movement." Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking on soft surfaces (not the hard concrete of Kolkata pavements) are excellent knee arthritis treatment strategies.

Myth #3: The Weather Affecting My Joints is All in My Head

The Truth: Your grandmother was right. Your joints can predict the weather better than some apps.

Many patients feel embarrassed to tell me their knees ache when the monsoon rains hit Kolkata or when the temperature drops in January. This is physically real. It is related to Barometric Pressure.

When a storm approaches, the pressure in the atmosphere drops. This drop allows the tissues inside your body to expand slightly. If your joints are already inflamed or have worn-out cartilage, this limited space means that even microscopic expansion puts pressure on sensitive nerves, causing increased pain.

Why this matters: Understanding this helps you plan. If you know the weather is turning, you can be proactive with warm compresses or mild anti-inflammatory measures rather than suffering in silence.

Myth #4: If I Have Arthritis, Surgery is Inevitable

The Truth: Surgery is the last resort, not the first.

Many people avoid visiting an arthritis doctor in Kolkata because they are terrified of being told they need a knee replacement immediately. As an orthopedic surgeon, I can tell you that a very small percentage of arthritis patients actually end up in the operating room.

My approach is strictly Conservative First. We have a "ladder of care." We start at the bottom step and only move up if absolutely necessary.

The Reality: With the right combination of weight management, specialized physiotherapy, and modern medical interventions, the vast majority of patients can live active, happy lives without ever going under the knife. Surgery is a powerful tool, but we keep it in the toolbox until all other options are exhausted.

Myth #5: There is Nothing I Can Do, I Just Have to Live with the Pain

The Truth: This is the myth of hopelessness. You do not have to accept chronic pain as your new normal.

Modern orthopedics has advanced tremendously. From advanced biologics to precise diagnostics, we have more tools than ever to manage pain. Whether it is difficulty walking to the market or inability to climb the stairs to your flat, these are functional problems with functional solutions.

How Dr. Keshav Digga Actually Fixes the Pain: A Comprehensive Approach

So, if the myths are false, what is the reality? How do we treat arthritis at Digga Healthcare? We follow a structured, personalized pathway designed for the Indian lifestyle.

Every treatment begins with a clear diagnosis. We use advanced digital X-rays and physical examinations to determine exactly how much damage has occurred. We use safe, short-term courses of anti-inflammatory medication to break the pain cycle, allowing you to start exercising again.

If pills and exercise aren't enough and your quality of life is severely compromised, we discuss surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can arthritis be cured without surgery?

A: This is a nuanced answer. Currently, there is no medical "cure" that reverses arthritis completely (making the joint brand new again). However, arthritis can be effectively managed without surgery. For the vast majority of patients, a combination of weight loss, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and injectable therapies can reduce pain to near-zero levels. This allows you to live a normal life, which is functionally a "cure" for the symptoms, even if the X-ray still shows wear.

Q2: What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

A: These are two very different conditions that require an arthritis doctor in Kolkata to diagnose correctly:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): This is mechanical "wear and tear." It usually affects weight-bearing joints (knees, hips) and gets worse with activity. It is localized to specific joints.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself. It often affects smaller joints (fingers, wrists) on both sides of the body symmetrically. It is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever.

Q3: Are painful injections the only alternative to surgery?

A: No. Injections are just one tool. Many patients find significant relief through non-invasive knee arthritis treatment methods like dedicated physiotherapy, using unloading knee braces, taking oral anti-inflammatory medication, and using topical gels. Weight loss remains the most powerful non-invasive "treatment" available.

Q4: Does eating sour foods (like curd or lemon) increase arthritis pain?

A: This is a very common belief in India. Medically, there is no scientific evidence that sour foods like lemon, tamarind, or curd cause arthritis or make it worse. In fact, curd is a great source of calcium, and lemon provides Vitamin C, which helps collagen formation. However, if you personally notice a flare-up after eating certain foods, it is best to avoid them, but for most people, these foods are healthy.

Q5: How do I know if I need a knee replacement?

A: You might need a replacement if:

1. Your pain keeps you awake at night.

2. You have difficulty doing basic things like getting off the toilet or climbing stairs.

3. Medications and injections no longer work.

4. Your leg is becoming deformed (bow-legged). Dr. Keshav Digga, as a specialized orthopedic surgeon, will help you make this decision based on your X-rays and your pain levels.

Q6: Can I perform Yoga if I have arthritis?

A: Yes, Yoga is excellent for arthritis, provided you avoid poses that put deep pressure on the joints (like Padmasana or deep squatting). Gentle yoga helps maintain flexibility, improves balance (reducing fall risk), and lowers stress. Always inform your yoga instructor about your condition so they can modify the poses for you.

Don't Let Myths Control Your Mobility

Pain is a signal, not a lifestyle. You do not have to live with the limitations of arthritis just because of age or fear of surgery.

If you are looking for the best orthopedic surgeon for arthritis in Kolkata—someone who values your natural joints and prioritizes conservative care—schedule a consultation with Dr. Keshav Digga today. Let us replace the myths with facts and the pain with movement. Book Your Appointment Today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.