Majority of UK Arthritis Patients in Constant Pain

[Guest guest]

Majority of UK Arthritis Patients in Constant Pain

LONDON (Reuters) Apr 05 - Most arthritis patients in Britain are in constant

pain, find it difficult to do everyday tasks and some struggle to get out of

bed, according to a report published on Monday.

The most extensive survey in Britain into the crippling disease revealed

that many sufferers do not seek medical advice and half do not see a doctor

unless they have frequent bouts of unbearable pain.

" This report is evidence that there is a huge problem in the UK, and one

which we must address, " Neil Betteridge of the charity Arthritis Care, which

compiled the report entitled OA Nation.

" The UK falls short at every stage of the arthritis management pathway

judging by the experience of people with osteoarthritis (OA). And, people

with arthritis are not aware of what is available, " he added in a statement.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis with 8.5 million

sufferers in Britain.

The study of 1,762 patients in Britain revealed 81 percent were in constant

pain. Female sufferers outnumbered males by three to one. Patients

experienced pain for an average 12 years but some had symptoms for more than

25 years.

Treatments for osteoarthritis include exercise to improve the flexibility of

the joints, medication to control pain and surgery to relieve chronic pain.