People endure pain of arthritis for years before seeking help, says survey
A new survey conduced by Arthritis Care has found that people are enduring years of pain before seeking help for arthritis. In the UK wide survey, in which 2000 people took part, it showed that 16% waited over one year, while 28% waited over two years before taking action.
Over half (52%) of those who delayed did so because it didn’t occur to them it could be arthritis, 28% thought it was arthritis but that nothing could be done, while 22% didn’t think that arthritis affected people of their age.
72% sought help only when the pain got too much, 61% when their mobility was limited and 49% because it was limiting their enjoyment of life.
Arthritis Care CEO Judi Rhys says, “Arthritis is an overlooked and underestimated condition, the pain it causes can be excruciating and its impact is often life changing. People are needlessly enduring years of pain and fatigue, giving up the things they love and that give their life meaning and purpose.”
Those most likely to delay seeking help are between 40-64 years old. Reasons given by people included they were ‘too busy with life’, one whose ‘mother had it and not a lot was done for her so got on with it “til I could hardly walk” another “thought it was an old and existing injury”.
The numbers of people living with arthritis are rising with predictions suggesting that it will increase by 50% by 2030. With an estimated 10 million people living with arthritis it is the most common single cause of disability, a significant reason for workplace absence and at over £5bn is a huge cost to the NHS.
She continued: “We need to bust the myth that arthritis is an inevitable part of ageing and the belief that nothing can be done. We urgently need to see arthritis become a public health priority. Early recognition of the symptoms and diagnosis can immediately improve people’s lives and prevent more serious health problems later on. People need to be able to recognise the symptoms, know how to manage it and be supported to enjoy an active, healthy and independent life.”
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