India, Oct. 13 -- Arthritis is often associated only with ageing, but it can affect people across different age groups and for many different reasons. In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, orthopaedic specialist Dr Ankur Singh debunked five common myths associated with the disease to help us be better informed and make the right lifestyle choices for reducing the risk.

The belief that smoking only affects the lungs and has no connection to arthritis is a myth. "In reality, smoking can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and may worsen inflammation and disease progression," shared Dr Singh.

"Smoking can also reduce blood supply to tissues, affect bone health and make treatment less effective in some patients. Quitting smo...