Dispelling arthritis myths

The aches and pains associated with arthritis don't just affect the elderly. The Arthritis Foundation reports two-thirds of people who have the condition are under the age of 65.

In a little more than 20 years, the foundation predicts, 67 million Americans over the age of 18 will get an arthritis diagnosis.

It may help to understand what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to arthritis.

Here are some tips that may help dispell some myths:

1) Snap, snap. There is no scientific evidence that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis. The habit and the sound may be annoying, but doctors say it is relatively harmless. Age, heredity, obesity and joint injury are some of the known causes of arthritis.

2) It feels like rain. Many arthritis sufferers swear they can predict the weather when their arthritis flares up. Doctors note while they've heard anecdotal evidence from many patients, there is no scientific proof behind the claims.

3) Take it easy. It is not true that exercise makes arthritis worse. Physical activity actually keeps joints flexible, maintains or improves muscle strength and helps with weight control.

Finally, arthritis isn't just another name for the aches and pains we feel as we grow older. It is a chronic disease that describes more than 100 conditions affecting the joints and other body parts. While there is no cure, doctors can provide medications and treatments that can improve the level of pain.

Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.