MSK & Arthritis News

Denied by BMI: How ICB policies are failing patients with arthritis

Deborah AlsinaGuest Blog by Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK

Across England, people with arthritis are being left to wait in pain for joint replacement surgery that could transform their lives. Almost a fifth of ICBs are ignoring NICE guidelines and rationing surgeries based on a single arbitrary threshold, a patient’s BMI. Moreover, a further 54.7% have policies that restrict or alter access to surgery in some other way for those who are overweight or have obesity. Joint replacement surgery is not a lifestyle choice; it’s the bridge from living in constant pain to regaining independence.…

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Knee OA report from Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber

This report provides patient-led insights into the lived experience of knee osteoarthritis (OA) across the Yorkshire and Humber region. It explores how OA affects quality of life, mental health, and access to treatment, particularly within the NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) care pathway.

Through in-depth interviews with patients at various stages of the total knee replacement (TKR) journey, five key themes emerged:

  1. Impact on daily life and independence
  2. Emotional and psychological burden
  3. Frustrations with the NHS care pathway
  4. Hesitancy and barriers around TKR surgery
  5. Interest in and limited awareness of AposHealth®, a medical shoe, as a non-surgical alternative.
…

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20 Million Reasons our new strategy matters

by Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

Publishing a new strategy is always a moment to pause. Not just to look ahead, but to reflect on why the choices you’re making matter and why now is the right time to be ambitious.

ARMA’s new strategy is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: there are 20 million reasons to act. Over 20 million people in the UK live with a musculoskeletal condition. Each one is a reason – a person with a life, a job, a family, ambitions and frustrations – whose experience of pain, mobility and independence is too often overlooked in public policy.…

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Living Well with Arthritis course – health and care professional survey

Arthritis UK is developing a course to support health and care professionals in helping people live well with arthritis. Your input will help them tailor the course to meet your needs and preferences. The survey shouldn’t take any longer than 5 minutes. 

Fill in the form here.

The deadline for completion is Tuesday 31st March 2026. For further information, contact Laura Watkins at professionalengagement@arthritis-uk.org.

iO Roadshows 2026 tickets on sale!

The Institute of Osteopathy is excited to share that tickets are now on sale for the iO Roadshows 2026.

It’s a valuable opportunity for osteopaths from across the profession to connect, exchange views, ideas and share best practices.

This new series of full-day CPD events will visit regions across the UK and is open to all osteopaths.

Book a ticket

Consultation on new Chiropractic QS for AxSpA

RCCRCC open consultation on new Chiropractic Quality Standard for Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)

The Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) announces the launch of a consultation on a new Chiropractic Quality Standard on Axial Spondyloarthritis, seeking views from all stakeholders including chiropractors and other healthcare professionals, interested organisations, patients and the public.

The RCC invites comments on all aspects of the document, including the extent to which the quality statements and supporting evidence provide achievable markers of high-quality assessment and care for patients living with Axial Spondyloarthritis and the accessibility of the language for the intended audience. …

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ERN-ReCONNET Survey on care in rare connective tissue diseases

The ERN ReCONNET Transition of Care Task Force would like your support for a European survey focused on transitional care for people living with rare connective tissue diseases (rCTDs).

The transition from paediatric to adult healthcare is a critical and often challenging phase for young people with rare diseases and their families. To better understand the real-life experiences, needs, and expectations of patients and caregivers, ERN ReCONNET is conducting a survey across Europe. The results will directly contribute to developing a more effective, coordinated, and patient-centered model of transitional care.…

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Online axial SpA introductory session

Do you support people in England newly diagnosed with axial SpA (including AS)?

Introduction to axial SpA is an online session for people recently diagnosed with axial SpA in England.

Help your patients get to grips with their condition by directing them to a free online session on 26 March 2026, designed by NASS specifically for people in the first three years post-diagnosis. As part of booking, attendees will receive bespoke support from the NASS Helpline team.

Find out more here. …

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Prescribing for Pain and Rheumatology Blood Tests webinars

PCRMM has two webinars upcoming: Prescribing in Pain and Demystifying Rheumatology Blood Tests.

24th March 2026

In Prescribing in Pain: An Essential Q&A with Dr Giles Hazan, Giles will cover approaches to chronic pain, the pitfalls of prescribing, deprescribing, and alternatives to drug therapy.

Book here

Demystifying Rheumatology Blood Tests will be a two-hour webinar, hosted by Dr Louise Warburton and Dr Ahmed Mostafa, providing an in-depth review of the blood tests commonly used in MSK practice, what they are and when to consider them.…

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