Standing up to knee pain
A survey on the impact of knee osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, feet, hands, and spine. For those living with OA, persistent pain becomes a daily reality, interfering with walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and even sleeping.
Everyday challenges
Knees are especially vulnerable to OA, and its impact can be profound. According to the Standing Up to Knee Pain Survey: The Physical, Social, and Mental Impact of Knee OA, which included 500 U.S. adults treated for chronic knee pain and/or knee OA, 100% of patients had tried some form of treatment for their pain. Despite this, 97% reported that their daily lives remain negatively affected.
OA is a chronic, degenerative disease that can worsen over time, leading to years—even decades—of persistent pain:
- 57% of sufferers have lived with the pain for over 5 years
- 32% have endured it for a decade or longer
With knee OA affecting 15 million adults in the U.S., it is one of the leading causes of disability in older populations. Alarmingly, the survey also revealed that chronic knee pain is affecting younger generations, with nearly 40% of surveyed patients under the age of 50.
Beyond the physical pain
The effects of knee OA extend far beyond physical limitations:
- 91% of patients reported missing social events due to their pain
- 28% said their everyday mental health has been negatively impacted
The mental health toll is particularly concerning given the frequent use of opioids for managing knee OA pain. Despite growing awareness of the opioid epidemic, 45% of patients admitted to using these medications for pain relief. This raises significant risks, as individuals with mental health challenges are twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder.
The cost of delayed care
Postponing medical care for knee OA can have serious consequences. The Standing Up to Knee Pain Survey also gathered insights from 200 U.S. health care providers treating knee OA patients, with responses highlighting common issues arising from delayed treatment, including worsening symptoms, reduced mobility, and greater dependence on medications. Every surveyed provider emphasized the risks of waiting too long to address knee pain.
Length of time suffering from chronic knee pain or OA of the Knee
Finding relief
For those living with chronic knee pain or OA, seeking timely care can be critical to improving quality of life. While OA is a lifelong condition, advancements in treatment are helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain, offering hope to those affected. Be sure explore your treatment options and build a plan that works for you.
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The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Pacira.