Can Arthritis Be Cured? Myths vs. Facts

We will explore the science of arthritis, debunk the myths, and explore both modern & holistic therapies.

Can you imagine waking up every day with stiff joints, knee pain, or swollen fingers? Even opening a jar or climbing a set of stairs becomes a nightmare! For millions of patients with arthritis, it is not a bad day; it is every day. 

Arthritis is referred to as an "old person's disease," or caused by "over-exercising" or "too much knuckle cracking!" These myths create fear and misunderstanding, which often cause feelings of hopelessness and helplessness in answering the question, "Is there a cure?"

The truth is, arthritis is complicated, but it is not insurmountable.

There is not, in fact, a "cure" for many types of arthritis yet. However, excellent advances in science are limiting the progression of arthritis, managing symptoms, and even in remission, many people with arthritis are thriving by embracing holistic therapies, personalized changes to lifestyle, and collaborative integrative medical care.

In this blog, we will cover:

• What is arthritis (and what it is not),

• Common myths vs facts supporting research,

• Emerging therapies like stem cell therapy,

• Real patients (based on case study analysis),

Theatre is empowering holistic therapies (like the therapies offered at L&BClinics, Delhi) that may help you get pain-free again!

What Exactly Is Arthritis?

While arthritis is often used as a term for one disease, it is the term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints. The most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative condition in which cartilage wears down over time.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack the joint tissue.

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This is related to psoriasis and involves the skin in conjunction with joint involvement.

• Gout: Caused by a buildup of crystals in the joint; this typically involves the toes or the ankle.

• Juvenile Arthritis (JIA): This affects the child and teenager population. 

These conditions have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. All result in joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Myth vs Fact: Clearing the Confusion

Let us clarify a few common myths about arthritis: 

Myth #1: Only people over 70 years old will get arthritis. 

Reality: Anyone can get it, including children. More than 350MM people worldwide have arthritis of any kind, including teens and young adults. 

Myth #2: If you crack your knuckles, you will get arthritis.

Reality: No. It bothers your friends, but does not damage your joints.

Myth #3: Exercises would only make the arthritis sore.

Reality: Movement is medicine! Easy-to-do activities such as yoga, taking a walk, and swimming can help. Movement improves flexibility, reduces stiffness, and improves motion.

Myth #4: It is just "wear and tear."

Reality: Arthritis is a complex process that involves more than lack of use and aging. Genetics, dysfunction in the immune system, obesity, diet, and inflammation all play a role.

Myth #5: There is no help for it. 

Reality: While there is probably not a cure, there are many treatments to help that will manage the pain, restore function, and stop structural harm.

Can Arthritis Be Cured? What Science Says

It's accurate to say that most types of arthritis cannot be "cured," but they can be controlled or even put into remission.

First, What We Know:

For RA and PsA, there is now a possibility due to modern medicine products (biologics and DMARDs) to suppress the immune response in a way that dramatically decreases or blocks damage.

For OA, we cannot reverse damage to our cartilage, but we can decrease pain and restore some functioning.

For many people, it is possible to manage to become symptom-free for many years through a variety of combinations of medicine, therapy, and adjustments to lifestyle.

Second, what’s emerging:

Research is yielding some very exciting new choices for treatments, particularly in stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and cartilage regeneration. Let’s take a closer look!

Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine

This is one of the most thrilling developments in the field of arthritis treatments! 

What Are Stem Cells:

Stem cells are "undifferentiated" cells that can change into different cells, like cartilage or bone. In therapy, these stem cells are injected into a joint to reduce inflammation and encourage repair.

What Studies Show:

A 2016 meta-analysis with 1,270 patients found that stem cell injections showed a significant decrease in pain for knee osteoarthritis. A 2022 Meta-Analysis found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis saw less joint swelling and reduced pain after a few weeks of a treatment involving adipose (fat) stem cells. Cartilage grafting techniques indicated that over 82% of patients improved with treatment, and even patients treated 10 or more years ago continued to have benefits! 

NOTE: These are still experimental treatments, and many clinics providing stem cell therapy are unregulated. Always read and be sure to look for evidence and qualified people.

 What About Gene Therapy?

One drug that is currently undergoing testing is Sprifermin, a protein that aids in cartilage regeneration. In its clinical trials, Sprifermin has been shown to help: 

1. Reduce the loss of cartilage,

2. Decrease the need for joint replacement,

3. Improve pain scores.

There are new gene-therapy-based treatments that are being researched to actually reverse joint damage. The field is one to monitor.

The Strength of Holistic Healing

As science presses on, many people are moving towards and finding long-term relief through natural, integrative means. 

The Benefits of Holistic Care: 

1. Anti-inflammatory diets

• Eat more: leafy greens, berries, turmeric, ginger, flax seeds, walnuts, olive oil. 

• Eat less: processed foods, refined sugar, red meat, excessive dairy.

2. Movement therapy

• Yoga, tai chi, swimming, and walking all build muscles and relieve stiffness.

• In addition, there is evidence that physical therapy improves joint range of motion, reduces pain, and restores joint balance.  

3. Mind-body center

• Reduce stress to reduce inflammation. Begin using some deep breathing, meditation, or guided relaxation. 

• The mindfulness program developed by Harvard found that just 20 minutes per day reduces joint pain dramatically. 

4. Detox & herbal support list 

1. Ashwagandha

2. Boswelia (Shallaki)

3. Tumeric 

4. Guggulu.

These herbs are part of the Ayurvedic medical tradition and used to help minimize inflammation and pain.

 L&B Clinics, Delhi: A Real-Life Holistic Success Story

Clinics, like L&B Clinics in Delhi, are innovating the methods of treatment for arthritis in India. They have been able to take modern arthroplasty skills and apply them with Ayurveda, and naturopathy, diet therapy, and personalized yoga classes; they helped thousands of patients regain function and avoid surgery.

Example Case: 

A 48-year-old teacher with knee osteoarthritis was set to have surgery. After 4 months of care at L&B, including Ayurveda massage, yoga, turmeric therapy, and personalized diet therapy, she reported:

• 70% reduction in pain,

• Better mobility of her joints,

• No surgery required.

Quick Tips You Can Start Today

Arthritis is prevalent, but it doesn't have to dominate your existence. If you suffer from stiff knees, achy fingers, or unrelenting fatigue, be aware: you hold the reins.

With a good combination of medical treatment, holistic health, healthy lifestyle, and mind-body practices, many people, just like you, are thriving, not just surviving.

We may not have the perfect ‘cure’ yet, but we have plenty of good tools to help you thrive and, yes, potentially be pain-free. With the right arthritis treatment in Delhi, a better quality of life is possible.

So if you're interested in exploring:

• Customized nutrition,

• Safe physical activity for arthritis,

• Integrative therapies in your area (like L&B Clinics), or

• The newest treatments, like stem cells,

Just contact us. Our experts are here for you.