Joint pain putting people off exercise despite benefits says report

A quarter of people have put off doing exercise because of joint pain, a new poll has found.

The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK has found that 25% have shied away from physical activity because of pain in their joints.

Arthritis Research UK found that 49% of respondents said they have or have had joint pain.

Of these, 51% said joint pain had put them off doing exercise.

But the charity said research has shown that regular exercise can actually reduce pain and stiffness in joints.

It has launched a new series of exercise videos specifically for people who suffer from joint pain.

“Joint pain can limit a person’s ability to live their life to the full, and stop them doing everything from playing in their local sports team, sitting comfortably at work or climbing the stairs,” said Arthritis Research UK spokesman and GP Dr Tom Margham.

“I see many people who are troubled by joint pain, but few of them know how important exercise is for both managing and preventing joint pain.

“I personally have seen that a little bit of the right kind of exercise can make a big positive difference to joint pain. I would encourage people with joint pain to have a look at the exercise programme from Arthritis Research UK, and give it a go.”

To find out more visit www.arthritisresearchuk.org/everydayexercises