Aside from the misconception that arthritis is a minor inconvenience, there are other common misconceptions associated with the disease. It is curious that the common myths and misconceptions about arthritis have persisted throughout so many years.

One common misconception is that arthritis is just an old person's disease. Other misconceptions have to do with cold weather, poor diet, the “cure,” and the variability of symptoms from day to day or hour to hour. Sorting arthritis myths from facts can be tricky.

Imperfect climate is not the cause of arthritis. It is true that some arthritis patients feel better in warm climates rather than cold climates. The warmth makes arthritis symptoms feel better. Just as climate is not the cause, it also is not the cure for arthritis. If it were, there would be no people with arthritis living in cold climates.

Poor diet does not cause arthritis. There is no scientific evidence supporting the theory that diet causes arthritis, though there are a couple of exceptions. Gout is affected by a high-purine diet. Purines are part of all human tissue and are found in many foods. Uric acid results from the breakdown of purines, and excess uric acid causes gout. Also, food allergies can produce arthritis-like symptoms. And though people are still advised to eat a healthy, balanced diet, a good diet doesn't cure arthritis.

Researchers have made progress with regard to developing better treatments and in some cases slowing disease progression and preventing joint deformity, but so far there is no cure. It is important for people to know there is no cure for arthritis because unproven remedies often tout a cure. Don't be misled.

The duration and severity of arthritis symptoms can be variable. Arthritis symptoms can vary between two arthritis patients or from one day to the next for the same patient. It's not possible to compare. Arthritis is inconsistent and contradictory at times. Fatigue and pain may be better or worse on any given day. The nature of arthritis is that it doesn't stay the same.

Limitations imposed by arthritis may restrict what you can do, but it doesn't mean you can't do anything. It's wrong to view a person as totally dependent when she isn't. People with arthritis may need help with some things, but they can still do a lot for themselves. Some people misunderstand this and and are overprotective, thinking your condition is worse than it is.

Misconceptions persist despite more information and better information being within your grasp. As you go through the book, the misconceptions should fade away and you should remember the true facts about arthritis.