According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. By 2040, that number is expected to reach 78 million. With that many people living with this debilitating disease, it's important to educate the public and clear up any misinformation surrounding pain and treatment in regard to arthritis.

Here are five common myths about arthritis to keep in mind:

Myth 1: Arthritis only occurs with old age
Half of the population aged 65 and older has arthritis, but the disease impacts more than just older people. According to the Arthritis Foundation, adults aged 18 to 64 make up two-thirds of the people who have arthritis. Furthermore, nearly 300,000 babies and children in the U.S. are living with a form of the chronic condition. Essentially, you can develop arthritis at any given age.

Myth 2: Diet doesn't impact arthritis pain
Diet has an impact on nearly every aspect of your body and well-being, so this is false. The foods you eat can affect how your joints feel, as inflammation is the No. 1 culprit associated with arthritis, according to Newsmax. Some inflammation-fighting foods you can incorporate in your diet to mitigate pain include fatty fish, olive oil, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. To reduce inflammation and improve your overall health, curb salt and sugar from your diet and limit your alcohol consumption.

Myth 3: Cold compression is better than heated
Cold and warm compression are both helpful when it comes to reducing pain and swelling brought on by arthritis. An ice pack can be used to bring down inflammation in the joints, while a heated compress can soothe and relax the muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joints. It's important to consider both options when treating arthritis pain.

Myth 4: All joint pain is related to arthritis
Just because you're experiencing pain in your joints doesn't mean you have arthritis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, joint pain can also mean you're living with tendonitis, bursitis or an unrelated soft-tissue injury. That's why it's so important to visit your doctor when you notice the pain to ensure a valid diagnosis.

Myth 5: Compression wear won't help with arthritis pain
Although some may believe that compression accessories will be too constricting, compression can provide serious relief for arthritis pain. If you notice sudden onset pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, knees or feet, talk to your doctor about using IMAK Compression Arthritis products. These accessories can provide natural relief from pain, stress and discomfort brought on by arthritis. The warmth and compression is specifically designed to target the affected area, reducing swelling and improving circulation.

Purchase your IMAK Compression Arthritis products today.