MSK & Arthritis News

Getting it right for MSK – a win for everyone

ARMA CEOby Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

I’m writing this at the end of a busy week with the launch of our latest ICB report and three significant Government announcements about the NHS. I’m reflecting on what it means for addressing the issues raised by our analysis of ICB Joint Forward plans.

The report highlights that ICBs are not paying sufficient attention to MSK at a strategic level. The majority either don’t consider it at all or focus only on one or two parts of the system in silos.…

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Join the MSK Health inequalities community of practice

Are you working to tackle inequalities in musculoskeletal health? Do you want to connect with others who are facing the same challenges and are finding solutions?

Then ARMA’s community of practice is for you.

The next meeting will be 5 August 2025, 12.30 – 1.30pm

How it works:
Join us for monthly interactive Zoom sessions, where we bring together everyone committed to reducing MSK health inequalities. Each session includes:

✅ Presentations on key issues and innovative approaches
✅ Lively discussions in small groups to share experiences and strategies
✅ Peer support from others facing similar challenges

Who Should Join?…

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NRAS Local Groups

NRAS local groups are a wonderful place to share knowledge, enjoy engaging events and find friendship with others who know what living with rheumatoid arthritis is like. By joining an NRAS local group, people can find support, enjoy activities and learn from expert speakers.

For more information on upcoming local events, visit the event page on nras.org.uk.

For more information on NRAS Local Groups and NRAS JoinTogether online groups, please visit the NRAS Connect with others page.

Apni Jung leaflets now available in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi

As part of a commitment to increasing their support of South Asian communities across the UK impacted by Rheumatoid Arthritis, NRAS is pleased to announce the launch of three new patient-facing leaflets in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. 

These are now available as downloads or in hard copy for individuals and in quantity for rheumatology teams serving people from South Asian heritage, adding to the collective resources on the Apni Jung area of the NRAS website specifically for South Asian communities.

Also, a reminder that it is possible to translate the NRAS website into 16 different languages, which include Bengali and Gujarati (in addition to the above three South Asian languages) for South Asian people affected by RA. …

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New resource – updated psoriatic arthritis leaflet

The Psoriasis Association has had a busy year updating their leaflet series, with the re-imagined Psoriatic Arthritis Leaflet being the final installment. The new, vibrant leaflet features authentic images of people living with psoriatic arthritis. The leaflet discusses advice on when to see a rheumatologist as well as first-line and second-line treatments.

The resource is ideal to take along to any medical appointments to discuss treatment options and whether you may require a referral to a specialist.
The leaflet is now available to view and download on The Psoriasis Association website here.

Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference

Hear from leading experts in the world of psoriasis treatment and care at The Psoriasis Association’s Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference 2025.

Taking place on Saturday 28th June 2025 at the County Hall in London, Belvedere Road (SE1 7PB), CPD accreditation has been applied for this event. You can expect talks on psoriasis and diet, an expert panel discussion Q&A, as well as the latest updates from our research students. 

Keep an eye on The Psoriasis Association website for more details and how to book. 

APPG on Osteoporosis – Access to Medicines Inquiry

ROS and APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health Inquiry Report on Access to Medicines

An upcoming report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Osteoporosis and Bone Health highlights the “critical need for system-wide reform” to address barriers to osteoporosis medication in the NHS, leaving millions of people at risk of life-threatening fractures.

Fractures caused by osteoporosis are preventable. A timely diagnosis and a treatment plan can prevent fractures. But there is an enormous treatment gap with two-thirds of people who need anti-osteoporosis medications missing out on them – around 90,000 people every year.…

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A question of balance

ARMA CEOby Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

Last month I joined about 200 others at a government consultation event for the Ten Year Health Plan. Patient organisations, voluntary sector and professional bodies came together to get updates from the consultation process so far and discuss questions arising from the vision groups’ work.

Around our tables we were asked to consider one of three questions about how the NHS can make the shift to working more in partnership – with patients, communities and the voluntary sector.…

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Free NASS online help for those recently diagnosed

Bespoke self-management and peer support for people in England recently diagnosed with axial SpA

NASS is running free online sessions for people in England recently diagnosed with axial SpA.

As part of the sign-up process, attendees select bespoke support from NASS, such as a chat with someone on the Helpline, resources sent in the post, and information about exercising safely. 

For more information, visit the NASS website.

If you’d like free postcards to invite your patients, you can order guides to living with axial spa.…

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