Midlands Cares: Arthritis myths, causes, and treatments

Tyler Ryan learns the truth about his grandmothers ability to predict the weather

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – Arthritis is an affliction that impacts over fifty-three million…or about 21%…of Americans.  We have all heard of it, seen the commercials offering treatments and cures, and even been told that it can make you a meteorologist.

According to MUSC Rheumatologist Kaki Bruce, there are about 100 different types of arthritis, including diagnose and manage osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.  She does point out, however, that when most people think of it, they are referring to osteoarthritis, because that’s the most common type.

“It’s really what we typically refer to as wear and tear type arthritis, you kind of lose that cartilage and the joint space over time, you can kind of get this bony overgrowth that occurs like bone spurs and the joint,” she says.

There are a lot of things people also think of when you talk about the affliction.  One is that it is something that impacts older folks.  According to Dr. Bruce, this is generally true, often impacting people over 40, however, it can be found in younger people, due to heredity or even injuries.

So the question is, “could my Grandmother really tell when it was going to rain?”  According to the Doctor, yes.  She says that the change in pressure and temperature can change the joint space and cause more pain and stiffness.

She also says that although many of us have heard that cracking knuckles can cause arthritis, it isn’t true.  “The sound is actually bubbles in the joint fluid that are popping in the joint space, but it’s not harmful to the joint over time.”

As far as treatments, there are no known “cures,” although things like exercise can help with the pain and stiffness.  She also says there are treatments, including topicals, and oral treatments that can help, along with surgery, but there really is no “cure.”

You can learn more about arthritis or discuss treatment options with Dr. Bruce HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tyler Ryan is an award winning television and radio personality, writer, investigative journalist, and professional emcee.  He appears daily on ABC Columbia’s Good Morning Columbia, as well as the radio stations in the iHeart Media Network.  Tyler also regularly appears as a criminal expert and journalist on regional and national crime based programs.  You can contact him directly via EMAIL Or on the socials: Tyler’s Instagram  // Tyler’s Facebook