Ease the Pain.

SICKLE cell anemia; PATIENTS' attitudes; PSYCHOTHERAPY; MENTAL health services; JOINT stiffness; PAIN perception

This article provides an overview of the excruciating pain experienced by individuals with sickle cell disease and the ongoing research to find relief. It acknowledges the historical underestimation of pain by researchers and physicians and emphasizes the chronic nature of the pain experienced by patients. Current treatments focus on preventing acute attacks but do not specifically target pain relief. Researchers are exploring various medications and approaches to address the complex mechanisms of pain in sickle cell disease, including inflammation, pain signal interruption, and psychological factors. The article also highlights the need for better treatment options and the importance of addressing health-care disparities and social factors that can worsen pain. [Extracted from the article]