WARSAW, Ind., Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- While many people realize joint pain that results from osteoarthritis (OA) affects physical health, a recent online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of DePuy SynthesCompanies found that joint pain also significantly impacts other aspects of health – how positive people feel and how focused and engaged they are in their lives and in the lives of others. The good news is that severe OA is treatable. In fact, 90 percent of survey respondents who have had knee and/or hip joint replacement agreed that their lives changed for the better after joint replacement surgery.
The survey of 2,626 U.S. adults, ages 45-75, found that adults living with OA who have not had joint replacement fare worse than the national average of both the general population and those who have had joint replacement on several aspects of health. These aspects include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The survey also found that:
More than nine out of 10 adults with OA who have had knee and/or hip joint replacement reported that joint pain was a significant burden in their lives before their joint replacement surgery (94 percent).
Those who have had joint replacement were more likely to be satisfied or very satisfied with their overall mental health than those with OA who had not had joint replacement (71 percent vs. 64 percent, respectively).
To raise awareness of the effects of joint pain on our overall health and energy levels, DePuy Synthes Companies is launching a new educational campaign called It's More Than Joint Pain. The campaign hits home for spokespeople Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski, Duke University Men's Basketball Coach, and Jack Groppel, Ph.D., co-founder of the Human Performance Institute and a leader in Energy Management, who are working with DePuy Synthes Companies to share their stories. Both suffered from severe OA and were forced to consider giving up the activities they loved because OA had taken away so much of their energy. DePuy Synthes Companies and the Human Performance Institute are part of the same family of companies.
"As someone who has undergone hip replacement surgery, the survey results really resonated with me," said Coach K. "Looking back, I realize that battling OA pain took away the energy I needed in my personal and professional life. Since having both of my hips replaced, there has been a remarkable difference in my overall energy levels, which has allowed me to continue coaching and be the husband, father and grandfather I want to be."
At the campaign's website, MoreThanJointPain.com, adults living with joint pain can take an online survey that compares their answers to the national average of adults who have undergone joint replacement surgery to help them assess the effect their joint pain may be having on their energy levels. Visitors to the site will receive personalized results and also be given tips to help them manage their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy using Energy Management principles developed by the Human Performance Institute (HPI) and will be empowered to seek treatment options, which may lead to better overall health.
"We start each day with a supply of energy, but when you're constantly fighting joint pain, that energy supply can quickly decline, which can result in you becoming less engaged in your life and in the lives of those you love," explains Groppel.
Important Safety Information The performance of hip or knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have these surgeries. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine if hip or knee replacement is necessary based on an individual patient's condition.
DePuy Synthes Companies DePuy Synthes Companies is the largest provider of orthopaedic and neurological solutions in the world. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com.
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About the Survey The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of DePuy SynthesCompaniesbetween July 25 and August 19, 2014 among 1,087 U.S. adults ages 45-75 who have not been diagnosed with osteoarthritis; 1,024 U.S. adults ages 45-75 who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, experience OA in their knees and/or hips, and have not had joint replacement surgery; and, 515 U.S. adults ages 45-75 who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, experience OA in their knees and/or hips, have had a knee and/or hip joint replacement, and do not currently experience severe pain in other joints. For complete research method, including weighting variables, please contact Deanna Ashikyan (310-309-1018).
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