The report is a collection of the most up-to-date, UK-wide statistics on arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. It is a resource for healthcare professionals, policy makers, public heath leads, researchers, people with these conditions, and anyone interested in MSK health. Arthritis UK believes that with the best information you can build awareness, make more informed decisions, feel more confident and ultimately help more people with MSK conditions, such as arthritis.
MSK & Arthritis News
Left Waiting, Left Behind
This report draws on the findings of an online survey of 7,928 people living with arthritis in the UK, commissioned by Arthritis UK and carried out by YouGov in 2024. Findings were weighted to ensure they are broadly representative of the 10 million people with arthritis across the UK.
Left Waiting, Left Behind: The Reality of Living with Arthritis report
New brand, new name
Versus Arthritis has now rebranded to Arthritis UK. Arthritis UK believes this name change will help more people who need help find the appropriate information, education and support services. Arthritis UK also believes this will help bring about greater change for people living with arthritis all across the UK as they look to grow their income and impact.
ARMA Launches New Policy Position on MSK Prevention
Too often, prevention is seen as something that happens in clinics, but true prevention starts long before that. It’s about creating the conditions that make good MSK health possible for everyone, everywhere.
ARMA’s new policy position paper on MSK prevention calls for a broader, more connected approach. With over 20 million people in the UK affected by MSK conditions prevention must be at the heart of national and local strategies. The benefits are clear, fewer people living in pain, more people staying active and independent, and stronger, more resilient communities.…
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Orthopaedics and 10-Year Health Plan
NOA’s recent webinar brought together policy and clinical leaders to explore how orthopaedic services can respond to the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan.
Speakers from the King’s Fund, BOA and ROH shared insights on shifting care to communities, embracing digital tools, and prioritising prevention. The session highlighted practical innovations already underway and called on orthopaedics to lead local transformation.
Upcoming GIRFT webinars
The GIRFT team have announced a series of upcoming webinars for November which will be of interest to all working across MSK care.
Digital solutions to support delivery of MSK care in community settings
Thursday 13th November 2025
Andrew Bennett, GIRFT clinical lead for community MSK (cMSK) and consultant physiotherapist Sutton Health and Care, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, is hosting a webinar to discuss digital solutions to support delivery of MSK care in community settings.
This webinar aims to give attendees a better understanding of digital innovations in community MSK settings and to highlight the benefits and risks associated with ambient AI. …
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Diploma in MSK Medicine – Register your interest
Exam sitting – 28th May 2026
Applications open – 12th January 2026
The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK is dedicated to promoting a more active nation and ensuring that MSK and rheumatological conditions and pain symptoms are not a barrier to living an active life at any age or ability level. This Diploma examination will support evidencing competency as a GP, GP Working in Extended Roles as well as allied health professionals working towards advanced practice roles (including extended scope physiotherapists and advanced nurse practitioners) in a range of community settings.…
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Psoriasis Awareness Week 2025
Psoriasis Awareness Week is fast approaching with this year’s event running from Wednesday 29th October to Tuesday 4th November 2025 with the theme ‘Comorbidities of Psoriasis’.
Comorbidities are the presence of one or more additional diseases or disorders that occur in someone, alongside already living with psoriasis.
This includes conditions such as Psoriatic Arthritis, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and the mental health impact that living with psoriasis may have including low self-esteem, feelings of isolation and loneliness and anxiety and depression.…
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Better MSK health is the foundation of our future prosperity and wellbeing
by Adrian Bradley, CEO ARMA
The link between health and economic activity has become a central focus of policy. New analysis from the ONS and NHS England, highlighted by the King’s Fund, shows how health and work are closely connected. Poor health reduces employment and productivity, and long NHS waiting lists hold people back from returning to work. Improving musculoskeletal (MSK) health will undoubtedly deliver major economic benefits. Fewer people in pain means fewer absences, more people able to stay in work, and greater productivity.…
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NRAS Live – Diet and Nutrition video
In early October NRAS were joined by Julie Cooper, Nutritional Therapist, for an NRAS Live event.
Julie shared her own rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis story, told how changes in her diet helped optimise her own health, and explained how looking after your gut health can really improve your quality of life.