Myths and facts related to arthritis – Expert insights by Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj in Amritsar

Orthopaedics | Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Amritsar | Contact: +91 80788 80788 | Book an appointment

Introduction

Arthritis is one of the most commonly misunderstood medical conditions. Myths and partial truths about arthritis circulate widely, causing unnecessary anxiety and missed opportunities for early treatment. This article, featuring expert insights by Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj of Livasa Amritsar, aims to separate myths from facts and provide clear, practical guidance for anyone living with or worried about joint pain in Punjab and surrounding areas.

We will review what arthritis really is, common causes and symptoms, and how modern diagnosis and treatment strategies differ from outdated beliefs. The goal is to provide a patient-friendly, evidence-based guide you can use to recognise signs early, choose appropriate therapy, and understand how lifestyle and local resources in Amritsar can support long-term joint health. Throughout the article we will highlight common misconceptions—such as "arthritis is just old age" or "exercise makes arthritis worse"—and replace them with clinical facts that help you make informed decisions.

Whether you are searching for "arthritis in Punjab", "arthritis specialist Punjab", or "best doctor for arthritis in Amritsar", this resource outlines the questions to ask, tests commonly used in diagnosis, treatment alternatives including non-surgical and surgical options, expected costs in Amritsar, and local support available at Livasa Hospitals. We will also include practical do's and don'ts and emergency signs requiring immediate attention.

what is arthritis? types, causes and typical symptoms

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the group includes many others such as psoriatic arthritis, gout, reactive arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Understanding the differences between types helps patients, families, and primary care providers choose the correct treatment path and timing for specialist referral.

Causes vary by type:

• Osteoarthritis: Often related to wear-and-tear of cartilage, age-related changes, prior joint injury, obesity, and biomechanics. It commonly affects knees, hips, hands, and spine.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks joint linings (synovium) leading to systemic inflammation. It commonly affects small joints in a symmetrical pattern (both hands, both wrists).
• Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal deposition, often results in sudden, severe attacks in the big toe or other joints.
• Other inflammatory arthropathies: Include psoriatic arthritis (associated with psoriasis), reactive arthritis (post-infection), and juvenile forms affecting children.

Typical symptoms to watch for include joint pain that worsens with activity (OA) or improves with activity (RA sometimes feels better after movement), morning stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes (suggests inflammatory arthritis), swelling, warmth, reduced range of motion, and crepitus (a grating sound). Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss, or nodules suggest inflammatory disease and warrant early specialist referral.

Globally, osteoarthritis alone affected an estimated 300 million people in 2017 (Global Burden of Disease study). Rheumatoid arthritis affects roughly 0.5–1% of adults worldwide. In India, community studies and hospital data point to a high burden of joint pain—particularly in older adults—and an increasing number of patients seeking arthritis treatment in Punjab and cities like Amritsar due to aging populations and lifestyle factors.

common myths about arthritis and why they persist

Many myths about arthritis persist because symptoms are visible, variable, and often long-term. Myths can delay diagnosis, promote ineffective or harmful remedies, and lead to resignation rather than proactive management. Below we list and explain why certain myths remain widespread, and how they can be corrected with clinical evidence.

• Myth 1: Arthritis is only caused by old age. While age increases risk, arthritis is not an inevitable part of aging. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, but genetic predisposition, prior injuries, obesity, occupational stress on joints, and inflammatory diseases can cause arthritis at any age—even in children (juvenile arthritis).
• Myth 2: Exercise will make arthritis worse. Lack of movement weakens muscles and worsens joint stress. Evidence shows tailored exercise programs (low-impact aerobic activity, strengthening, and flexibility training) reduce pain and improve function for many arthritis patients.
• Myth 3: Cold weather causes arthritis. Weather can influence symptoms in some patients, but cold or damp weather does not cause arthritis. Variations in barometric pressure, temperature, and personal sensitivity can change pain perception but are not causal.
• Myth 4: All joint pain is arthritis and nothing can be done. Joint pain has many causes—tendinopathy, bursitis, referred pain, infections, and mechanical problems. Many causes are treatable or reversible when correctly diagnosed.
• Myth 5: Joint replacement is the only definitive treatment. Surgery is an important option for advanced disease unresponsive to conservative measures, but many patients find long-term relief with medication, physiotherapy, weight management, and injections. Surgery is considered when these options cannot provide acceptable quality of life.

These myths persist because they're easy to repeat and often reflect partial truths. Education by arthritis specialists and primary care physicians in Punjab—especially at dedicated centres like Livasa Amritsar—helps patients replace myths with facts and follow evidence-based care pathways.

facts about arthritis: evidence-based clarifications

Replacing myth with fact empowers patients. Here are key evidence-based clarifications every person with joint pain should know:

• Fact 1: Early diagnosis improves outcomes. For inflammatory arthritis (like RA), early diagnosis and initiation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can prevent joint damage and disability. This is the rationale for prompt referral to an arthritis specialist in Punjab when inflammatory signs appear.
• Fact 2: Multimodal treatment works best. Combining medications, physiotherapy, patient education, weight management, and assistive devices yields better function than any single approach in isolation.
• Fact 3: Surgery is highly effective in selected cases. Joint replacement (knee, hip) produces dramatic pain relief and functional improvement for end-stage osteoarthritis, with modern implants lasting 15–20+ years in many patients.
• Fact 4: Lifestyle changes modify disease impact. Weight loss, smoking cessation, tailored exercise, and ergonomic changes at work reduce pain and slow disease progression in many patients.
• Fact 5: Not all supplements are helpful. Evidence supports some supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for certain patients, but results are mixed. Always discuss supplements with your doctor to avoid interactions with prescribed medicines.

In Amritsar and wider Punjab, greater public education and availability of arthritis diagnosis and treatment options at centres like Livasa Hospitals are improving patient outcomes by replacing myths with these facts.

how arthritis is diagnosed: tests, specialists and tips for patients in amritsar

Accurate diagnosis begins with a careful history and physical examination by a general practitioner or orthopaedics specialist. At Livasa Amritsar, Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj and the orthopaedics team prioritise a structured approach to diagnosis that is patient-centred and efficient.

Typical steps in the diagnostic pathway:

• Clinical history: Duration of pain, morning stiffness, symmetry, prior injuries, family history, systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss), medication history, occupational risks, and lifestyle are documented.
• Physical exam: Joint swelling, warmth, range of motion, deformities, gait assessment, and functional limitations are recorded.
• Blood tests: Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies (important for RA), uric acid (for gout), and metabolic tests.
• Imaging: Plain X-rays of affected joints to assess joint space narrowing, osteophytes, or erosions; ultrasound or MRI when more detailed soft tissue or early inflammatory changes are needed.
• Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis: Performed when infection or crystal arthropathy (gout/pseudogout) is suspected.

Practical tips for patients in Amritsar:

• Bring a list of medications, family history, and a simple pain/activity diary showing daily patterns.
• Note triggers and relieving factors—this helps distinguish inflammatory from mechanical pain.
• Ask your clinician for clear goals: pain reduction targets, functional milestones, and follow-up testing intervals.

Livasa Amritsar offers on-site imaging and laboratory services to expedite diagnosis. For many patients in Punjab, having a local, integrated diagnostic pathway shortens time to treatment and improves outcomes.

treatment options: conservative care, medications, injections and surgery (comparisons)

Treatment is tailored to the type of arthritis, severity, patient age, co-morbidities, and personal goals. Multidisciplinary care—combining orthopaedics, physiotherapy, pain management, and rheumatology—produces the best results. Below we summarise major options and include comparison tables to clarify benefits and recovery expectations.

Core treatment categories:

• Conservative care: Education, weight management, low-impact exercise (walking, swimming), physiotherapy, assistive devices (braces, orthotics), and ergonomic adjustments.
• Medications: Analgesics (paracetamol), NSAIDs (short-term for flare control), topical NSAIDs, disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) for inflammatory arthritis, urate-lowering therapy for gout, and biologic agents for refractory autoimmune disease.
• Injections and procedures: Corticosteroid injections for inflammatory flares; hyaluronic acid injections for some OA cases; platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other regenerative therapies—evidence varies and should be discussed with your specialist.
• Surgery: Arthroscopy for selected mechanical problems, osteotomy for joint realignment, and joint replacement (arthroplasty) for advanced disease—commonly knee and hip replacements.

Comparison: conservative vs surgical approaches

Comparison: knee replacement techniques

Treatment choice depends on disease severity, patient expectations, comorbidities, and surgeon expertise. For residents searching "arthiritis treatment Punjab", "knee arthritis treatment amritsar" or "hip arthritis treatment amritsar", Livasa Hospitals provides multidisciplinary assessment and shared decision-making with clear cost estimates and recovery planning.

when to see a specialist and emergency signs to watch for

Knowing when to seek specialist care is critical. Early referral to an arthritis specialist (rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon) or to a multi-disciplinary clinic can change long-term outcomes—especially in inflammatory arthritis. If you live in Amritsar or elsewhere in Punjab, a prompt appointment at Livasa Amritsar can help determine whether early intervention is warranted.

Seek urgent or same-week specialist attention in these scenarios:

• Rapid onset of severe joint swelling or pain without clear cause—possible infection or crystal arthropathy (gout).
• High fever with joint pain—may indicate septic arthritis which is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospital care.
• Progressive morning stiffness lasting more than an hour for several weeks—suggests inflammatory arthritis.
• Symmetrical joint swelling of hands/wrists—a common RA pattern prompting early DMARD therapy.
• Redness, warmth and rapidly worsening pain in a single joint—could be infection or acute gout requiring urgent treatment.
• Sudden inability to bear weight, deformity or acute loss of function—may need urgent orthopaedic assessment.

For non-emergency but important indications, see a specialist when:

• Pain persists despite initial conservative care for 6–12 weeks.
• Symptoms limit activities of daily living or work.
• There is progressive deformity (bowing of leg, fingers deviating) or functional loss.
• You require guidance on surgical options, joint injections, or long-term medication (DMARDs, biologics).

If you live in Amritsar and need guidance, Livasa Amritsar's orthopaedics department and arthritis clinic can be contacted at +91 80788 80788 or via the online booking portal to request an early appointment with Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj or the multidisciplinary team.

lifestyle, prevention and home management tips (do's and don'ts)

Long-term arthritis management is as much about daily habits as it is about medicines or surgery. Many patients ask, "How to cure arthritis?"—while there is no universal cure for all types, disease control and symptom relief are achievable through lifestyle and self-management. Below are practical, evidence-based prevention tips and home strategies for residents of Amritsar and Punjab.

Do's

• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss decreases load on weight-bearing joints and reduces pain. Losing 5–10% of body weight provides measurable benefits for knee OA.
• Exercise regularly: Low-impact aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling), strength training, balance exercises, and flexibility routines improve function and reduce pain. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week if tolerated.
• Use physiotherapy: A trained physiotherapist provides tailored programs and teaches joint-protective techniques, which are especially effective before considering surgery.
• Protect joints: Use supportive footwear, ergonomic tools at work, and assistive devices when needed to reduce strain.
• Follow medical advice: Take prescribed medicines and attend follow-up appointments. For inflammatory arthritis, adherence to DMARDs is crucial to prevent joint damage.

Don'ts

• Avoid prolonged inactivity—this weakens muscles and stiffens joints.
• Do not ignore sudden painful swellings—seek prompt assessment to rule out infection.
• Avoid unsupervised steroid injections or frequent high-dose NSAID use without medical guidance due to potential systemic side effects.
• Don't rely solely on unproven “miracle” supplements—discuss them with your doctor.

Home remedies that can help symptom control include hot/cold therapy, graded activity, optimized sleep and stress management, and using mobility aids when needed. Local physiotherapy services in Amritsar, including at Livasa Hospitals, provide supervised rehabilitation programmes tailored to individual needs.

cost considerations in amritsar and what patients can expect

Cost is an important factor in planning arthritis care. Costs vary by procedure, implant choice, hospital amenities, length of stay, and post-operative rehabilitation needs. For people searching "arthritis cost in Amritsar" or "knee replacement cost Amritsar", below is a practical comparison and ballpark guide. These are indicative ranges and may vary depending on individual circumstances and packages offered by hospitals such as Livasa Amritsar.

For patients in Punjab seeking clarity, Livasa Hospitals provides transparent cost counselling, insurance support guidance, and package options. When considering "knee replacement cost Amritsar" or "total knee replacement cost Amritsar", speak with the hospital’s counselling team to get an itemised estimate that includes surgeon fees, implant cost, consumables, room category, and post-operative physiotherapy.

long-term care, follow-up and what to expect after treatment

Arthritis often requires long-term follow-up, even after effective treatment or surgery. Expectations and follow-up schedules depend on the initial condition and the chosen therapy. After joint replacement, follow-up is typically scheduled at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter. For inflammatory arthritis, rheumatology follow-up may be more frequent until disease control is achieved.

Long-term care components:

• Structured rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and home exercises are critical to regain strength and function. Adherence improves long-term outcomes and reduces re-operation risk.
• Periodic medical reviews: For patients on DMARDs or biologics, monitoring tests for liver function, blood counts, and infection risk are essential.
• Bone health monitoring: Older patients should be assessed for osteoporosis risk and may need bone-protective therapy.
• Activity modification and reintegration: Patients should be supported to return to meaningful activities and work with modifications if necessary.
• Psychosocial support: Chronic pain can affect mental health; integrated care including counselling can improve quality of life.

At Livasa Amritsar, our orthopaedics and rehab teams create personalised post-treatment plans and provide long-term follow-up to monitor implant function, joint health, and general well-being. Patients in Amritsar and Punjab appreciate the structured pathways that allow safe return to activities and improved quality of life.

how livasa amritsar and dr. aditya bhardwaj can help: local resources and booking

For residents searching "arthritis specialist Amritsar", "arthritis clinic Amritsar", or "best arthritis center in Amritsar", Livasa Amritsar offers a comprehensive orthopaedics and arthritis clinic led by experienced specialists including Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj. The centre provides integrated diagnostic services, physiotherapy, pain management, and surgical care with modern implants and rehabilitation facilities.

Key features of care at Livasa Amritsar:

• Multidisciplinary team: Orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, pain specialists, and nursing staff working together to design personalised care plans.
• Integrated diagnostics: On-site X-ray, ultrasound, MRI access and laboratory evaluations allow faster diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• Transparent cost counselling: Clear estimates for procedures including total knee replacement cost Amritsar and options for financing or insurance assistance.
• Patient education: Pre-op counselling, rehabilitation guidance, and lifestyle coaching to reduce myths and set realistic recovery goals.

To consult with Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj or the orthopaedics team, call +91 80788 80788 or use the online booking link: Book your appointment at Livasa Amritsar. Mention specific concerns such as knee pain, hip pain, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, or queries about joint replacement to get an appropriately timed consultation.

conclusion and final recommendations

Myths about arthritis can be limiting and sometimes harmful. Accurate, timely information—combined with modern diagnostic tools and a personalised treatment plan—gives most patients the chance to live active, productive lives. For people in Punjab and Amritsar, access to local specialist care at Livasa Amritsar means you do not need to accept joint pain as an unavoidable fate.

Final recommendations:

• Act early: If you have persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness, seek a medical evaluation rather than waiting.
• Combine therapies: Use a combination of exercise, physiotherapy, medication (when indicated), and lifestyle measures for best outcomes.
• Ask questions: Get clear information about expected outcomes, risks, and costs—especially before considering surgery.
• Choose an experienced team: For surgical decisions or complex inflammatory disease management, consult a dedicated arthritis team such as the one at Livasa Amritsar led by Dr. Aditya Bhardwaj.

For more information, contact Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Amritsar at +91 80788 80788 or visit https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment to schedule a consultation. Replacing myths with facts is the first step to better joint health—take that step today.