MILLIONS URGED TO TACKLE JOINT PAIN MISERY

MILLIONS of over-50s are living with constant crippling pain but choose not to seek help, a study reveals.

Two in five of Britain’s older population suffer in silence rather than get treatment.

Researchers found that suffering over-50s delay seeking medical help for an average of 16 months.

Two-thirds of those in pain said they were prevented from living their lives to the full – but still did not go to their GP.

The most common cause of pain in the over-50s is back trouble, which affects 51 per cent.

Knee problems hit more than a third, while shoulder, hip and neck pain all feature prominently.

Staggering

The survey from leading orthopaedic experts Fortius Clinic found many of the conditions are chronic.

Despite being in constant pain, many suffer in silence by either putting off or never seeking treatment.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Andy Williams, of Fortius Clinic, said: “The number of people putting off seeking help for joint pain is staggering.

“Over-50s today are more active than ever and should be looking forward to so many more healthy years ahead.

“But by ignoring their pain and disability, and the success of joint replacement, they are condemned to prolonged suffering.”

Hip pain is the most commonly ignored, with 63 per cent of sufferers delaying treatment or not seeking it at all. Women with hip pain are some of the most reluctant to seek help, being twice as likely to delay treatment in comparison to men.

Nearly half of those who put off treatment felt it was “easier” to carry on in discomfort while more than a quarter believed they should live with the pain for as long as possible.

Concerns about surgery, recovery time and ongoing pains were also major factors for delaying treatment, researchers found.

It was also revealed many regretted their decision to delay, with one in five who had completed treatment wishing they had sought help sooner.

Some 14 per cent said they would consider self-funding to access treatment more quickly next time.

Mr Williams added: “There’s really no reason for anyone to suffer in silence. Technology in healthcare is continuously improving for non-operative and surgical treatments.

“We’re now able to use techniques such as robotics and 3D printing to make bespoke, personalised prostheses that give high-quality surgery to allow people to keep doing the things they love.”