New survey says 70% of people with arthritis live in constant pain

Published May 19, 2014

The enduring pain experienced by many people with arthritis is highlighted in a recent survey from Arthritis Care, released today to herald the start of Arthritis Care Week (Monday 19th – Sunday 25th May).
A total of 2,008 people with arthritis answered questions that aimed to assess their experience and real-life implications of pain. Results indicated that:

70% of people living with arthritis experience constant pain despite taking any relevant medication
23% of people described their pain as “just bearable” and remarked that this occasionally prevents everyday activities
9% described it as “often unbearable” and mentioned that this frequently prevents them carrying out everyday activities.

Focusing on those who were of working age, the survey found that:

43% reported an impact on their or their partner’s working life
18% had given up work entirely
13% had taken early retirement.

“The tsunami of pain caused by arthritis continues to build and the implications are vast,” says Prof Philip Conaghan, Medical Advisor to Arthritis Care. “The impact of pain on everyday tasks and working life are wide ranging and significant – with quality of life decreased and dependence on friends, family and the healthcare system increased.”
Chief executive officer of Arthritis Care, Judi Rhys comments:
“The results of our Arthritis Nation survey highlight the importance of support and advice for self-management, with 78% of those receiving it saying that it was helpful. But only one third of people with arthritis are currently being offered this help. This is a situation we need to change, both for the sake of the millions of people currently enduring this pain and to alleviate the burden on society as a whole.”
Arthritis Care Week
To find out what’s going on where this week, visit www.arthritiscare.org.uk or tel 020 7380 6500.
If you’re already organising an event, let Arthritis Care know so they can help you promote it: email [email protected] or call Kate on 020 7380 6553.