Question
Are there any sensitive words, terms, or languages that describe people with arthritis I should avoid?
Answer
Your question is perhaps better answered by patients rather than me. The most frequent comment I hear is not about a specific term or language, but rather comments about others’ general ignorance of arthritis and the affect it can have on people’s lives. Comments like “you’re too young to have arthritis”, “all you need to do is exercise more”, “you look good, why are you complaining of so much pain”, “my friend took this medication and he is doing great”— all can be hurtful although well meaning in certain circumstances.
