“Osteoarthritis: Lifestyle & Habits” Survey Highlights

The economic downturn has affected broad swaths of this nation; stories of financial and emotional suffering can be found on the front pages of papers across the country. But for Americans suffering from joint pain, their economic woes still pale in comparison to the daily discomfort and unhappiness caused by osteoarthritis (OA).

What’s more, a new independent study funded by Elations, a drink supplement that promotes healthier joints and bones, reveals a majority of those with OA would prefer to never have joint pain again than be financially secure for the rest of their life. It’s no wonder they’re desperate for a new solution to ease their discomfort, as this condition has reduced their quality of life, prevents them from performing simple tasks, causes depression, and leaves them feeling years older than they are.

Mind Over Money

Even in this tough economy, those with OA incredibly are more concerned about their pain than their bank account.

Over 50 percent of OA sufferers would prefer to never have joint pain again than be financially stable for the rest of their life.
Nearly 60 percent of Americans with OA report their joint pain has a more negative effect on their life right now than the current state of the economy.

Emotional Pain

OA effects more than joints; it impacts the basic quality of life.

Sixty-four percent of Americans with OA say joint pain reduces their quality of life.
Nearly two in five (37 percent) OA sufferers report their joint pain is the reason behind a majority of their doctor visits.

The True Life of an OA Sufferer

From losing sleep to not being able to screw a light bulb, osteoarthritis affects the everyday activities of millions of Americans.

Joint pain has prevented over 9 in 10 of those with OA from participating in daily activities, such as doing chores (51 percent) or driving (24 percent).
Sixty-four percent report their condition has prevented them from being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – even just walking or going up and down stairs is difficult. And over half haven’t been able to participate in sports as much as they’d like.

Search for Relief

Most OA sufferers rely on pills, such as supplements or pain relievers, to get them through the pain. However, not everyone takes this route; one in four Americans forget to take them or find them to be inconvenient, while others simply refuse to pop a pill.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans with OA take supplement pills, such as Chondroitin or Glucosamine, and typically, they pop an average of four supplement pills a week.
Eighty-four percent of OA sufferers would be likely to take a supplement for their joint pain if they could drink it like a glass of juice.

The Future of Joint Pain

A majority of OA sufferers think things will get better.

Sixty-three percent of Americans with OA are optimistic about improving their joint comfort in the next five years.

How Joint Pain Affects Others

Nearly three in ten Americans ages 55 and older say joint pain is negatively impacting their quality of life.
Over one in 20, 55+ Americans report joint pain as being the reason they visit a doctor most often.