ARTHRITIS WHY MILLIONS DON’T NEED TO SUFFER MISERY IN SILENCE

MILLIONS suffer arthritis agony in silence thinking it is an inevitable part of old age, research shows.

The debilitating joint condition affects 10 million Britons and is the most common cause of disability, says Arthritis Care.

The charity says the condition should be a health priority as it costs the NHS £ 5billion a year.

Arthritis Care website said 16 per cent waited more than a year and 28 per cent more than two years before seeking pain relief.

Mobility

More than half who delayed visiting a GP did not realise the pain could be arthritis, 28 per cent thought nothing could be done and 22 per cent did not think it affected people of their age.

Three quarters only sought help after unbearable pain, 61 per cent when their mobility was limited and 49 per cent because it was impacting on everyday life.

Arthritis Care chief executive Judi Rhys said: “Arthritis is overlooked and underestimated, the pain it causes can be excruciating and its impact life- changing. We need to bust the myths that arthritis is an inevitable part of ageing and that nothing can be done. We need to see it 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.”

Results of the survey of 2,000 people published today showed those aged 40 to 64 are most likely to delay seeking help. The number living with arthritis is predicted to increase by 50 per cent by 2030.

The findings come just weeks after the Daily Express revealed paracetamol offers no relief. Studies suggest taken on its own paracetamol – costing as little as 19p a pack – is not effective for osteoarthritis, however large the dose.

The NHS spends £ 85million a year on the drug with the average prescription costing 20 times more than a supermarket packet.

Osteoarthritis – the most common arthritis – usually develops with age as cartilage, the body’s natural shock absorber, wears in hips, knee and wrist joints, causing debilitating pain and stiffness.

The condition can result in loss of height, severe back pain and a dramatic change in posture. It can permanently impair ability to walk and cause prolonged disability. Most endure round- the- clock pain in silence, relying on anti- inflammatory painkillers, which cause side effects like confusion, constipation and stomach bleeds.

Millions see paracetamol as a cure- all for a host of complaints like headache, back pain and high temperature.

Previous research has suggested a link between the painkiller and increased risk of conditions like stroke, renal failure and gastrointestinal bleeding, prompting calls for a review of its effectiveness.

Injections

GP Dr Ian Campbell said: “Arthritis is part of ageing but treatment is limited. Mild painkillers often aren’t enough, antiinflammatories carry health risks and physiotherapy is often only available after a long wait and for a limited period of time.

“Doctors can sometimes help with steroid injections but ultimately, if the pain and disability is too great, joint replacement can sometimes be helpful.”

Specialists say the best way to avoid pain is to maintain a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Paradoxically, exercise helps to reduce pain and disability.