Harris Interactive Survey Uncovers Gender Gap

Women Report Greater Pain, But Are Less Likely to Consult a Surgeon

People with osteoarthritis in their knees might talk with their friends or neighbors comparing notes about their achy joints. On a much larger scale, that's what researchers have done with knee-pain patients from coast to coast.

Here's what the researchers learned: Women report greater levels of knee pain than men, but are less likely to have talked with a surgeon about knee replacement as a treatment option.

In April 2004, a study was conducted by Harris Interactive^® on behalf of DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The study showed statistically significant differences between U.S. women and men aged 50 to 65 who suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). The research study examined the attitudes and behavior of more than 500 OA patients who have not undergone knee replacement surgery with the goal of understanding how osteoarthritis impacts their lives.

The study also exposes some of the barriers to OA treatment.

The study found that women with osteoarthritis are:

• Less likely to describe their health as “excellent/very good”.
• More likely to be diagnosed with other health conditions in addition to their OA including depression, allergies, and asthma.
• More likely to “primarily” see a rheumatologist for treatment of the OA than an orthopaedic specialist.
• Significantly less likely to have had a discussion with their surgeon about knee replacement as an OA treatment option.
• More likely to describe their “most painful day” and their pain on a “typical day” as “extremely/very painful” compared to men.
• Experiencing the following on a daily basis:
  • Lower back pain and stiffness
  • Crepitance – the sound or feel of bone rubbing on bone
  • Pain in the hips, groin, inner thigh or buttocks
• Significantly more likely to have tried more OA treatments including medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), herbal supplements, magnets, relaxation therapy and water therapy.
• More likely to say their OA has had a considerable impact on their quality of life.
• More likely to have difficulty with daily activities such as walking, standing, bending, and/or climbing stairs versus men.

According to the results of the study, women seem to be more prone to suffer from OA and may experience pain at a more intense level than men. While women also take more medications and other actions to treat the pain and stiffness of OA, they may not be discussing their full range of treatment options with a qualified medical professional.

The study showed that osteoarthritis is having a significant impact on women's lives. If osteoarthritis is affecting your life, please talk to your doctor. If you haven't talked with an orthopaedic specialist, you may want to use our surgeon locator to find an orthopaedic surgeon near you.

Click here for survey methodology and specific statistical results.

Last Updated: 12/13/2006