Medical Myths Debunked Part 2

I continue from last weeks investigation into the various medical myths and misunderstandings that often surround various medical conditions.

Arthritis:
Arthritis remains one of the most common causes of disability in the United States with an estimated 46 million Americans affected. With the aging of our population, those numbers are only expected to skyrocket. Much of our understanding of arthritis and its manifestations have been clouded in misunderstanding of the disease process. First is that arthritis only affects the elderly. In actuality, 2/3 of sufferers are younger are younger than 65 years of age, though these cases may not be strictly osteoarthritis (the most common type). There are multiple types of arthritis – from the standard non-inflammatory osteoarthritis to the more disabling types such as rheumatoid arthritis (among others).

Despite the suggestions that there is generally no treatment for arthritis, this is indeed a myth. Though standard osteoarthritis is a progressive disease of aging and joint overuse, there are certainly a variety of modalities that may be used to counter the effects. Examples include everything from physical therapy to pool exercise programs and bracing to medications. Weight loss may be a critical factor as studies show that even the shedding of ten pounds may decrease the risk of knee arthritis by 50%.

Another myth is that exercise or continued use will worsen arthritis pain. In actuality, exercise is crucially important in maintaining muscle strength and joint stability. Regardless of severity, I always encourage my patients to get up and move.

There is some evidence to suggest that elderly patients with arthritis can predict changes in the weather. A study from the United Kingdom indicates that there may be an association with changes in barometric pressure and the subjective sensation of increasing arthritic pain. I have yet to meet a patient with arthritis who did not generally ache more in colder, gloomier weather.
Of note, there is no evidence that cracking your knuckles increases the likelihood of developing future arthritis. Sorry mom.

Exercise and weight loss:
No one disputes that exercise is an important tool in assisting with weight loss. The question is: How much and how often? Previously, it has been suggested that patients get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three to four days per week. A recent two year study at the University of Pittsburgh has challenged their recommendations and given more concrete advice on how to maintain weight. Investigators studied the effects of exercise on weight loss in 191 overweight women. They were all prescribed a 1500 calorie diet (not much!) and were assigned to one of four levels of exercise. As a group, they lost an average of 17 pounds in six months, and then gradually regained half of that amount in the following 18 months. Exercise amounts followed the same pattern, increasing in the first six months, then falling off over time. Those subjects who maintained their weight over the two year study engaged in at least 1800 calories per week of physical activity which translates to 275 minutes of exercise per week. Thus, if you expect to lose weight and maintain it, a low calorie diet coupled with the burning of an additional 1800 calories per week is necessary. That corresponds to more than thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily! Those who think their jobs provide them adequate exercise are gravely mistaken – it may provide some baseline calorie shedding but it is not enough to reverse the process of obesity.

Do you have any medical questions or concerns that you would like addressed? You can contact Dr. Spence by email at panhandledailydose@hotmail.com or by mailing your question to Daily Dose, P.O. Box 6107, Marianna, FL 32446.