A PAIN that is largely invisible may be hard to bear. But when that pain also makes its sufferers invisible it doubles the distress. Arthritis is the biggest cause of pain and disability in Scotland, yet its debilitating effects often remain unseen.

According to a report commissioned by Versus Arthritis, many sufferers end up isolated prisoners in their own homes. They don’t go out. They miss special occasions. They can’t work or have to cut back on it. Friendships and relationships become strained.

Despite all this, sufferers don’t want to be seen as “whingeing”. A certain old-fashioned point of view might see that as commendable but, in reality, it doesn’t help, particularly in modern times where isolation is fast becoming the norm and we no longer live in large, supportive, extended families. Suffering in silence is suffering twice over.

Because arthritis is so common, our society tends to trivialise it. But the pain can be severe, and its very prevalence means any of us could find ourselves diagnosed with it. This week, a campaign is being launched to challenge the current lack of public recognition of arthritis.

Versus Arthritis wants sufferers to speak out and non-sufferers to go out of their way to speak with someone who has the condition. No more silence about it. In addition, we would back other initiatives such as a campaign of education, support programmes, personalised care, increased social opportunities, talking therapies, and improved access to physical activities.

The charity at least has access to the Scottish Government and will have talks with the Health Minister shortly. We hope something positive comes out of this – something practical and imaginative and determined – to improve the lives of sufferers.

This week, the problem will at least be more widely acknowledged. On the back of that, we hope practical initiatives will bring arthritis out of the shadows – and its sufferers into the bosom of the community.