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Joint Health Spotlight: Caregivers

At GOPO® Joint Health, we are committed to raising awareness about the impact of joint pain on various populations. A recent survey we commissioned reveals that over half (54%) of caregivers report experiencing weekly back, joint or muscle pain due to their caregiving responsibilities. The survey also highlights the emotional toll, with nearly half (46%) of caregivers feeling mentally depleted as a result of their role.

There are approximately 4.7 million unpaid carers in the UK[i], and when including those who care for family, friends and neighbours, this number may rise to 10.6 million.[ii] These findings emphasise the dual physical and mental impact of caregiving, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to support carers in managing both their physical and emotional well-being.

 

The Physical Act of Caregiving


Caregiving involves physically demanding tasks that often lead to joint strain and discomfort. Our survey highlights the following:
 

  • 1. Joint Strain: 37% of carers report significant strain, discomfort or injury to their joints from lifting or assisting the person they care for.
     
  • 2. Ongoing Pain: 47% experience persistent aches, stiffness or pain that lingers beyond caregiving tasks.
     
  • 3. Pain Management: 32% rely on pain medication to cope with the physical demands of caregiving.


These repetitive movements, such as lifting, bending and assisting with daily activities, put immense strain on carers’ joints, increasing the risk of conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammation.[i]

 
In addition to the physical strain, caregivers face significant emotional stress: Mental Health: 46% of carers report feeling mentally depleted due to the emotional demands of caregiving.   Self-Care Neglect: Nearly half (49%) can’t recall when they last practised self-care, indicating a tendency to neglect their own needs.   Emotional Strain: 13% rely on mental health support services to manage the emotional burden. Caregivers often prioritise others' needs over their own, leading to feelings of guilt, isolation and burnout, which can further exacerbate the physical challenges they face.

The Emotional and Mental Burden of Caregiving

In addition to the physical strain, caregivers face significant emotional stress:

  • Mental Health: 46% of carers report feeling mentally depleted due to the emotional demands of caregiving.
     
  • Self-Care Neglect: Nearly half (49%) can’t recall when they last practised self-care, indicating a tendency to neglect their own needs.
     
  • Emotional Strain: 13% rely on mental health support services to manage the emotional burden.


Caregivers often prioritise others' needs over their own, leading to feelings of guilt, isolation and burnout, which can further exacerbate the physical challenges they face.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers


At GOPO® Joint Health, we advocate for a holistic approach to caregiving. Here are key recommendations to help carers manage both their physical and emotional well-being:
 

           1. Support Physical Health

  • Encourage Regular Movement: Healthcare providers should recommend simple exercises like stretching or walking to alleviate strain and improve joint health.
  • Promote Joint Health Supplements: A clinically backed supplement[i],[ii] like GOPO®, derived from rose-hip, can help reduce inflammation and manage joint pain without the side effects of long-term pain medication use.[iii],iv                            

    2. Address Mental and Emotional Health
     
  • Encourage Emotional Support: Given the mental strain, providers should promote emotional support options, including therapy, helplines or support groups.
  • Stress Management: Self-care practices such as mindfulness, sleep prioritisation and relaxation activities can help carers manage stress.

     3. Advocate for Self-Care and Prioritising Health
     
  • Promote Self-Care: Carers should be encouraged to take breaks, practice relaxation and seek help when needed.
  • Develop Individualised Care Plans: Personalised care plans that address both physical and emotional needs are essential for carers to manage their roles while maintaining their own health.


Caregiving has a profound impact on both joint health and overall well-being, yet this often goes unrecognised. At GOPO® Joint Health, we are committed to supporting carers with effective solutions for managing joint pain. By focusing on both physical and emotional health, healthcare providers can help carers maintain their health and resilience, enabling them to continue providing care without compromising their own quality of life.

 


[1] The Kings Fund. 2024. What are unpaid carers, who are they and how often do they provide care? Available at: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/unpaid-carers-nutshell.

[1] Carers UK. 2023. Annual Report 2022-2023. Available at: https://www.carersuk.org/media/ynfpnjwk/carers-uk-annual-report-2223.

[1] Zeng, P. et al. (2017) Physical workload is associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Results from a Swedish population-based case-control study, RMD open. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5353304.

[1] Christensen R et al.  Does the hip powder of Rose canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Osteoarthritis Cartilage (2008)

[1] Schwager J, Richard N, Wolfram S. Anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects of rosehip powder and its constituent galactolipids GOPO Poster presentation at the World Congress of Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2008

[1] Winther, K et al. “A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Scandinavian journal of rheumatology vol. 34,4 (2005)

This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals only.