Arthritis News & Musculoskeletal News from ARMA's Members

BOA Ortho Update course 2026

Don’t miss out on a place on the Ortho Update course on Saturday 10^th January 2026, in Manchester, run by the British Orthopaedic Association.

The course is designed to deliver teaching on important/hot topics and clinical examination skills to cover various aspects of the orthopaedic curriculum over a 3-year cycle. This year, the emphasis is on Foot & Ankle & Spine and Brachial Plexus, along with Case Based Discussions on Spinal Infection and Diabetic Foot.

For orthopaedic trainees at all levels and SAS surgeons, this updated course will give you the opportunity to access new understanding and support your preparation for the FRCS exam.…

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Academic Survey: Massage Therapy for Chronic MSK Pain

Researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands invite people to take a survey as part of a research study about how people living with chronic MSK to share their views on massage therapy as a form of pain management.

The survey is open until 31^st January 2026.

You can access the survey here.

NRAS Live: Menopause & RA

In a recent NRAS survey, 90% of women with RA said that menopause made their RA symptoms worse. RA and menopause share many symptoms.

Join NRAS on Wednesday 26th November at 7pm – they will be joined by Dr Vikram Talaulikar, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine at University College London Hospitals. Dr. Talaulikar will be sharing information about menopause, the commonalities between menopause and RA, ways to manage it and much more.

For more info, visit nras.org.uk.

New NRAS Strategy 2025-2029

NRAS is excited to present their new organisational strategy for 2025-2029. This plan sets out how they will achieve their priorities over the next three years, how they will address the significant challenges facing the nearly half a million people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the UK, and how they will protect the future of the organisation.

NRAS is determined to help create a future where everyone with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can thrive.

Beyond the NHS: A vision for neighbourhood health

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

At ARMA, our vision for neighbourhood health goes far beyond the NHS. The NHS is, of course, a vital part of our lives and a cornerstone of care but health is not created in hospitals or clinics alone. It is shaped in the places we live, work and connect, in our homes, schools, workplaces, parks, and communities. Neighbourhood health is about recognising that wellbeing depends as much on the social, economic, and environmental conditions around us as it does on clinical services.…

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ORUK Announces next joint venture gathering

The next Joint Venture: MSK Innovation Network gathering will take place on Wednesday 28th January 2026 at The Medical Society of London, W1G 9EB, from 2-6pm.

The theme of the gathering will be Developing a more dynamic ecosystem for MSK innovation.

In addition to providing a networking opportunity for MSK innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and others interested in driving innovation and entrepreneurship within MSK health, the event will feature:

The launch of a new research study into the MSK innovation ecosystem in the UK.

…

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New SOMM MSc Advancing Practice in MSK Medicine

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine’s (SOMM’s) MSc Musculoskeletal Medicine was developed in 2000 in collaboration with Middlesex University and the programme moved to Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh in 2018. SOMM has greatly valued its collaboration with both universities and the programme continued to run successfully at QMU until August 2024.

SOMM is delighted to announce that QMU is now offering a new part time online MSc / PgDip Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Health professionals who have successfully completed SOMM’s Foundation in Musculoskeletal Medicine module (SOMM’s Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine) within the last 5 years, worth 60 master’s-level credits, are eligible to apply for the MSc.…

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NASS survey for people with axial SpA

NASS is looking to create resources to support people with axial SpA to be more physically active. To understand the issues our community face and co-produce the solutions, we’d love to hear from your patients. You can invite patients to take part by:

Completing an online survey via this link;
If they live in Norfolk, by joining a small group discussion or chatting one-to-one.

If you have any questions or would like to be more involved, please email zoe@nass.co.uk

Join the JIA Champions Forum with CCAA

Make your lived experience count — join the JIA Champions Forum!

The CCAA is looking for passionate individuals over the age of 18 who have lived experience of JIA or JIA-uveitis (either as a patient or a parent/carer) to become JIA Champions.

As a JIA Champion, you will be part of a national forum of advocates, advisors, and ambassadors. Together, we will:

🔹 Contribute to shaping JIA research priorities and design
🔹 Ensure the patient and family voice is at the heart of policy and communications
🔹 Collaborate with researchers, charities, and professional bodies
🔹 Raise awareness and champion equity in care across the UK

This role is reimbursed in line with NIHR guidance.…

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The State of MSK health

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.

The State of Musculoskeletal Health | Arthritis UK