OSTEOARTHRITIS can be debilitating, but Arthritis Australia is working closely with manufacturers to make life a bit easier.
The organisation has launched an initiative pushing for easy to open consumer packaging and a popular Voltaren product is the first to receive certification.
According to the research commissioned by health company GSK Australia, four out of five people living with mild osteoarthritis feel debilitated by constant pain.
The study also found 55 per cent of respondents felt pain was holding them back from every day activities.
One in three said they felt they were a burden on loved ones and 15 per cent had experienced feelings of isolation due to their condition.
Arthritis Australia chief executive Jonathan Smithers said it was difficult to understand the impacts of the condition unless you or someone close to you were living with it.
"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," he said.
He said the company wanted to work closely with industry, governments and health consumer organisations to provide better solutions for people affected by arthritis and other conditions that reduced strength and dexterity.
One of these solutions is the easy to open certification program. The program involves robust testing processes with consumers in order to make sure products meet accessibility standards.
"An encouraging example of progress is the new easy to open butterfly cap on Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly," Mr Smithers said.
"This new cap considers the real challenges facing those living with mild osteoarthritis."
The product is the first with packaging to be certified as easy to open by Arthritis Australia's Accessible Design Division.
For more information about the easy to open initiative click here.
