Arthritis UK is the leading arthritis charity, changing lives through research, campaigning and support.
Support usThe word 'arthritis' is used to describe pain, swelling and stiffness in a joint or joints. Arthritis isn’t a single condition and there are several different types. It can affect people of all ages – even children.
What is arthritis?When you've been diagnosed with arthritis, you can feel lost and alone. You may have been waiting for months or years for answers. We'll guide you through your next steps with trusted information and sound advice.
Guide to diagnosisLiving with arthritis can be challenging and we understand what you're going through. We bring you the information, help and support you need to stay healthy, manage your condition, keep active, stay well at home and cope with your work and money.
Living with arthritis
Methotrexate is a type of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) often prescribed for treating arthritis. It’s used to reduce activity of the immune system in people who have certain types of arthritis and related conditions.
Although there are no diets or supplements that will cure your arthritis, some people find their condition is affected by what they eat. There are many types of arthritis, and what works for one person may not work for another but when it comes to what we eat, two things have the biggest impact.
Keeping to a healthy weight is important for your general health, but it can also benefit you if you are living with arthritis. Being overweight can put more strain on your joints and increase inflammation, which could cause you more pain.
The Arthur Tut TikTok dance challenge features moves that help manage arthritis by encouraging a full range of motion and a healthy dose of attitude. Why not have a go?
Specially designed for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, presented by Leon Wormley.
You may already be familiar with the deep fatigue arthritis can bring, and know, like Christie, the toll it can take on your life, or the lives of those you love. We’ve made great progress in finding effective treatments that ease pain and improve mobility. But for fatigue, no such treatments exist – yet.
A gift from you today could help fund future research and transform our understanding of fatigue.
Arthritis UK is urging all political parties to have a credible plan to improve service and care for nearly 1m people in Wales and 1.7m people in Scotland, many of whom live with debilitating daily pain due to their condition.
Elections in Scotland and WalesThe growing musculoskeletal health crisis in Northern Ireland where over half a million people are experiencing devastating impact on their quality of life, employment, education and mental health.
MSK Health in Northern IrelandAt Arthritis UK, we’ve funded over £5 million of nutrition-related research over the past 10 years. Small changes to our diet can lead to huge benefits for our health and even reduce our risk of arthritis and other diseases.
What our research tells us
If your condition is making it difficult to do everyday tasks such as getting about or caring for yourself, and this is causing you extra living expenses, you may be entitled to financial support. If you’re struggling to work because you have arthritis, you may be able to claim government benefits. Find out what financial support is available.
Sheree was diagnosed at the age of 15, when a knee injury led to a diagnosis of arthritis. Today, Sheree has arthritis in both knees, her hips and her hands, causing debilitating pain. Throughout her life, Sheree has found comfort and joy in dance despite her pain, as the activity not only helps her physically, but emotionally too.
A quick, accurate diagnosis is essential for people with arthritis - and so are personalised treatments that tackle arthritis before it does too much damage to the joints. That’s why we fund research that focuses on these priority areas.
Explore the benefits of early arthritis diagnosisOur research strategy focuses our research investment to accelerate the pace and precision of musculoskeletal research. We want research to make arthritis preventable, manageable, and treatable.
Our Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre
Left Waiting, Left Behind: The Reality of Living with Arthritis presents a powerful snapshot of the reality of living with arthritis told through lived experiences and personal stories. It covers experiences of diagnosis, treatment, management and support, along with the personal and financial cost.
Examine the report's findings and our policy recommendations.
Created specially for people living with arthritis, every edition of Inspire magazine is packed with expert, in-depth articles and features, covering what matters most to you — all for just £3 a month.