New survey highlights severe impact of arthritis pain on daily life – but there is hope.

Three in four people with arthritis and joint pain say pain stops them living life to the full, according to a new survey carried out for Arthritis Research UK with The Daily Telegraph.

While over half of respondents (58%) say they don’t believe treatments for arthritis and joint pain are getting any better, two thirds (67%) are confident that a cure will be found.

The survey was carried out amongst readers of The Daily Telegraph and is part of the Be the Difference campaign which is encouraging people with arthritis to get involved with Arthritis Research UK and find out more pain management techniques, treatment options and the exciting research we’re working on.

The poll also reveals:

• Fewer than half (46%) feel satisfied with the current pain treatment they are receiving from their GP or healthcare professional.
• The vast majority (76%) say the pain prevents them living life to the full.
• A huge number (80%) say their mobility is affected
• More than three in five (64%) report problems sleeping because of pain

During April and May, the ‘Be the Difference’ campaign gives people with arthritis rare access to arthritis experts – researchers and other people living with arthritis. It offers a unique opportunity for people with arthritis to hear them talking about how to stop joint pain now and in the future.

Arthritis Research UK CEO Dr Liam O’Toole said:

“Millions of people with arthritis and joint pain are enduring pain on a daily basis and this is unacceptable.

Our poll with The Daily Telegraph reveals the severe impact that arthritis pain has on so many people’s lives, but it’s important to remember there is hope. Through our ground-breaking research, Arthritis Research UK has been fighting pain for eighty years and great progress has already been made.

But we know there is more to be done, and we need your help. If you live with arthritis, you become an expert in your pain. By combining the work of our research experts with your experience, together we can make a real difference to the outlook for millions of people living in pain.”

Find out more about our Be The Difference campaign.

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