According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there are two million Australians living with osteoarthritis[1]. If you’re living with osteoarthritis, you know how debilitating the pain in your joints can be. A simple task like walking up the stairs or opening a jar can seem impossible and leaves many sufferers struggling to complete daily chores.

Now, a new survey* has revealed the extent of the difficulties faced by those living with osteoarthritis, with 80 per cent saying constant pain is the most debilitating aspect of the condition, and 55 per cent saying their pain is holding them back from taking part in daily activities.

Respondents also revealed they feel left out when they can’t participate in activities with their loved ones, and one in five said they’re afraid to leave their house.

“[I was] very disappointed that I was restricted from walking and not able to join others, not able to engage in football or any other sports with grandchildren. [I’m] feeling frustrated, left out, isolated,” one respondent said.

Another added: “I get frustrated because I can’t get down on the ground to garden. I still use my hands but suffer great pain if I overuse them.”

Sadly, this pain has also led 30 per cent of sufferers to feel as though they are a burden to their loved ones, as they are forced to rely on their help to get through the day. This is why having access to easy-to-open treatments is vital.

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain in Australia and the problem is only expected to get worse in coming decades as the population ages and a cure remains elusive. The condition that affects the joints and causes pain, stiffness and muscle loss that leaves many unable to perform simple, everyday tasks.

Pain management can help when it comes to reducing the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss for those who are overweight and low-impact exercise, such as walking, water aerobics and strengthening exercises, are recommended, while medicated creams and gels, such as Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly, can offer relief from pain.

Jonathan Smithers, Chief Executive Officer of Arthritis Australia, said one of the biggest hurdles for those seeking medicated treatments for mild osteoarthritis is finding products that are easy to use. Accessible design is often overlooked when it comes to treatment solutions, with many creams and gels that offer joint pain relief coming in packaging that is difficult to open.

“It can be difficult to understand the impacts, both physically and emotionally, of arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis unless you yourself, or a loved one, is living with it,” Smithers said. “There is no doubt that daily activities become more challenging, and we need to consider how we can help to ensure those living with mild osteoarthritis can access the solutions they need.”

To combat this issue, Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly now comes with an easy-to-open cap, and is the first medicinal product in Australia to receive official certification from Arthritis Australia as part of its accessible design program!

The cap is designed to be removed with a simple twist, so those living with mild osteoarthritis can access pain relief easily. It’s a welcome development for those seeking pain relief, and an important step towards bridging the gap in accessible, easy-to-use products for those living with osteoarthritis.

Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly is specifically designed to relieve mild osteoarthritis pain in the knees and fingers and its concentrated formula helps to reduce inflammation, so you can get on with doing the things you love..

Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly (with the easy-to-open cap) is available in pharmacies and supermarkets across Australia now.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.