Debunking Myths About RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis): What’s Fact vs. Fiction?

Don't let myths about RA mislead you. Uncover the real facts behind common misconceptions and take control of your health.

Did you know that nearly 1.3 million Americans live with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Yet, misinformation about this chronic condition is everywhere.

Some believe it only affects older adults (false), while others think exercise makes it worse (also false). These myths can lead to delayed diagnoses and ineffective treatments, making life harder for those with RA.

In this guide, we’ll bust common myths, explore the science behind RA, and even dive into how Ancient Egyptians viewed joint diseases. Ready to separate fact from fiction? Let’s clear up the confusion and help you take control of your health. No myths—just real answers.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition impacting the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is not just a disease of older adults—young adults can also develop RA.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which happens from wear and tear, RA is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to joint damage and even joint deformity if left unchecked.

RA can also affect other symptoms beyond the joints, like blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. If treated early, medications like disease-modifying biologics and targeted therapies can slow the disease and reduce pain.

Common Myths About RA and the Truth Behind Them

1. RA Only Affects Older Adults

What’s the Myth?

Many people think RA is a disease that only older adults get. This is false.

What’s the Truth?

RA can affect people of all ages, including young adults and even teenagers. According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. have arthritis-related conditions. Most people are diagnosed between 30 and 60 years old.

How to Stay Informed:

• Know the Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are common early RA symptoms.

• Get Checked Early: If you notice joint discomfort, see a doctor. RA can cause joint damage if left unchecked.

• Follow Treatment Plans: Medications like disease-modifying biologics and targeted therapies help slow joint deformity and reduce pain.

2. RA is Just Joint Pain

What’s the Myth?

People often assume RA is just like osteoarthritis—a simple case of wear and tear in the joints.

What’s the Truth?

RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks healthy joints. But it doesn’t stop there. RA can also affect:

• Blood vessels → Leading to coronary artery disease.

• Lungs and Heart → Causing inflammation.

• Muscles and Bones → Leading to joint deformity if untreated.

How to Manage RA:

• Exercise Regularly: Activities like physical therapy and regular exercise improve strength and mobility.

• Eat Joint-Friendly Foods: Anti-inflammatory diets help reduce pain and swelling.

• Follow Medical Advice: Medications and lifestyle changes can slow structural damage and keep symptoms in check.

3. RA is Caused by Wear and Tear

What’s the Myth?

Some people think RA happens because joints wear out over time, like in osteoarthritis. They believe that using your joints too much leads to joint pain and damage.

What’s the Truth?

RA is an autoimmune disease, not a result of wear and tear. Your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation, joint deformity, and even damage to blood vessels. It can also increase the risk of coronary artery disease if left untreated.

How to Protect Your Joints?

• Get Early Treatment: Medications like disease-modifying biologics and targeted therapies help slow joint damage.

• Stay Active: Low-impact exercise and physical therapy help improve muscle strength and mobility.

• Eat Well: Foods that reduce inflammation can help manage RA symptoms and protect joints.

4. RA Symptoms Are the Same for Everyone

What’s the Myth?

Many believe RA has one myth—that all patients have the same symptoms and progression.

What’s the Truth?

RA affects people differently. Some may have mild joint pain, while others develop severe joint deformity. Symptoms can also change over time. RA can impact more than just joints—it can affect the heart, lungs, and eyes.

How to Recognize RA Symptoms?

• Early Signs: Swelling, stiffness, and pain in small joints like fingers and toes.

• Other Symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, and inflammation in other parts of the body.

• Different Progressions: Some people experience flare-ups, while others have steady symptoms.

5. RA is the Same as Osteoarthritis

What’s the Myth?

Some people think RA and osteoarthritis are the same disease. They believe that both are caused by aging and wear and tear on the joints.

What’s the Truth?

RA and osteoarthritis are completely different conditions.

• RA is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly targets healthy joints, resulting in inflammation, joint pain, and swelling.

• Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear. It happens when cartilage in the joints breaks down over time, leading to stiffness and pain.

• RA can affect more than just the joints. It can impact the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and even cause weight loss and fatigue.

How to Tell the Difference?

• RA symptoms include morning stiffness, swelling in multiple joints, and fatigue.

• Osteoarthritis symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time, mostly affecting one joint at a time.

6. There Is No Treatment for RA

What’s the Myth?

Many people think RA has no cure, so there’s no point in seeking treatment.

What’s the Truth?

While RA doesn’t have a permanent cure, treatment can slow its progression and reduce pain. Without treatment, RA can cause joint deformity, structural damage, and long-term disability.

How is RA Treated?

• Medications: Doctors prescribe disease-modifying biologics, targeted therapies, and NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Physical Therapy: Regular exercise helps keep joints flexible and strengthens muscles around them.

• Lifestyle Changes: Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, staying active, and managing stress can improve RA symptoms.

7. Exercise Makes RA Worse

What’s the Myth?

Some people think that exercise is bad for people with RA. They believe that moving joints too much will cause more pain, swelling, and joint damage.

What’s the Truth?

Exercise actually helps RA! It strengthens muscles, supports joints, and improves flexibility. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It also lowers stress and helps with weight loss, which reduces strain on joints.

How to Exercise Safely with RA?

• Start Slow: Begin with gentle activities like walking or stretching.

• Try Low-Impact Workouts: Activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga are easy on the joints.

• Listen to Your Body: If something hurts, take a break. Don’t push through pain.

• Work with a Physical Therapist: A therapist can help design a safe and effective routine.

8. Lifestyle Changes Don’t Help

What’s the Myth?

Many people think that only medication can help RA. They believe that lifestyle changes don’t make a difference.

What’s the Truth?

Lifestyle changes play a big role in managing RA. Eating well, reducing stress, and staying active can improve symptoms. A healthy lifestyle can also protect against other diseases like coronary artery disease and blood vessel damage.

What Lifestyle Changes Help with RA?

• Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens help fight inflammation.

• Reduce Stress: Activities like meditation and deep breathing can improve mental health and reduce pain.

• Sleep Well: A good night’s rest helps the body heal and lowers joint pain.

• Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: These can make RA symptoms worse and lead to other health problems.

RA and Ancient Egypt Beliefs: Myths Through History

Ancient Egyptian Mythology

Ancient Egypt had a deep connection with medicine and mythology. Some historians believe that conditions resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have existed in ancient times. While the disease was not formally identified, Egyptian mummies have shown signs of joint damage, suggesting RA-like conditions were present.

Egyptians often attributed unexplained ailments to divine forces. Ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun god, believing he controlled health and disease. The sun disk was a symbol of divine power in ancient Egypt, often linked to healing rituals.

Various Egyptian gods, like Thoth and Isis, were believed to possess the power to cure illnesses. They were believed to shape human bodies, and diseases were sometimes considered punishments or tests from other gods. The connection between health and divine influence meant that prayers, rituals, and offerings were common practices for relief.

The Role of Creator God and Other Gods in Joint Damage Healing

The Egyptians had a complex belief system that intertwined health and the supernatural. Other gods, like Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of war and healing, were thought to have the power to both cause and cure diseases. Priests and healers would perform rituals to invoke these deities, hoping to relieve pain and suffering from joint damage.

Temples dedicated to gods like Thoth and Isis also served as healing centers. Some ancient remedies for arthritis-like symptoms included herbal treatments, oils, and even magical incantations. While these practices lacked scientific backing, they highlight how ancient civilizations tried to understand and manage chronic conditions.

Ancient Remedies vs. Modern Science: What Has Changed?

Despite their mystical approach, ancient Egyptians made significant contributions to medical knowledge. They recorded symptoms, treatments, and even performed rudimentary surgeries. However, they lacked the modern understanding of autoimmune diseases like RA.

Today, we know that RA is not a punishment from other gods or a failure of the creator god’s design. Instead, it is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its own joints, leading to joint damage. Modern medicine offers effective treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy—far beyond what ancient civilizations could provide.

How to Stay Informed and Seek the Right Treatment for Arthritis Symptoms

• Consult a Rheumatologist Early – A specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatments to prevent further joint damage.

• Stay Updated on New Treatments – Research on arthritis is evolving. Follow reputable sources like the Arthritis Foundation, Mayo Clinic, or CDC for the latest breakthroughs.

• Understand Your Medications – Learn how different arthritis medications work, from NSAIDs and DMARDs to biologics, and their potential side effects.

• Adopt a Joint-Friendly Diet – Anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fish, turmeric, and leafy greens can help manage symptoms.

• Exercise with Caution – Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and strength training can improve flexibility and reduce pain without straining joints.

• Try Physical Therapy – A physical therapist can create a personalized plan to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and relieve stiffness.

• Consider Alternative Therapies – Techniques like acupuncture, massage, or heat therapy can provide additional relief when used alongside medical treatments.

• Join an Arthritis Support Group – Joining a rheumatoid arthritis support network can provide emotional support, helpful tips, and connections with others facing similar challenges.

• Keep a Symptom Journal – Tracking flare-ups, pain levels, and medication effectiveness can help doctors adjust your treatment plan.

Hempbuti: A Natural Approach to RA Joint Pain

Managing rheumatoid arthritis isn’t just about prescription medications—natural alternatives can also provide relief. Hemp-based products, like Rx Joint Aid 30ml (4000 mg) from Hempbuti, offer a plant-based solution for easing joint pain and inflammation.

This CBD-rich oil is designed to support joint health by reducing stiffness, swelling, and discomfort often associated with RA. Studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

If you’re looking for a natural option alongside traditional RA treatments, Hempbuti’s Rx Joint Aid may be worth exploring. Always consult your doctor before trying new supplements.

Take control of your joint health—explore Hempbuti today!

Conclusion

Believing myths about RA can delay treatment and make symptoms worse. Rheumatoid arthritis is not just for older adults—it can affect young people too. Exercise helps, not harms, and lifestyle changes do make a difference. Ancient beliefs linked diseases to gods, but today, science proves RA is treatable. Don’t let misinformation guide you. Talk to a doctor, stay informed, and take control of your health!