Test Your Arthritis IQ!

December 20, 2012

Test Your Arthritis IQ!

Take the quiz!

  1. True or False:  Arthritis can be cured by taking medications.
  2. True or False:  Osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men.
  3. True or False:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.
  4. True or False:  Some people have no symptoms of osteoarthritis.
  5. True or False:  To combat arthritis pain and stiffness, doctors recommend that you rest.
  6. True or False:  If you have osteoarthritis in one joint, all of your joints will eventually be affected.
  7. True or False:  Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
  8. True or False:  Arthritis or chronic joint pain affects one in five adults.
  9. True or False:  There are certain types of oil or fats that may reduce RA inflammation.
  10. True or False:  If you have RA, you also have an increased risk for osteoporosis.

IQ Answers

1. False.  None of the forms of arthritis can be cured. Most forms of arthritis continue to progress slowly after symptoms develop.
2. False.  Men and women are equally affected. Men tend to develop arthritis at an earlier age.
3. True.  RA is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, destroying cartilage and bone. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), doctors think that most of the damage that occurs in RA happens in the first year or two.
4. True.  In many people, osteoarthritis causes no pain, stiffness, weakness or numbness and goes undetected until it is spotted on an X-ray.
5. False.  In an effort to combat pain and stiffness, it is best to do exercises that won’t injure your joints, such as swimming and walking.
6. False. Getting osteoarthritis in one joint doesn’t mean it will spread to other joints.
7. True.  Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
8. False.  Along with chronic joint pain, this sometimes chronic inflammation affects one in three adults.
9. True.  Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and certain plant oils, may reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, the amount of oils or fats needed is more than most people can consume.
10. True.  This is true for both men and women, and the risk is greater if you take corticosteroids for RA. Calcium and vitamin D supplements or other preventive treatment may be helpful.

-Photo courtesy of Yorkville