World Arthritis Day
Celebrate World Arthritis Day with Arthritis UK! Support arthritis research and help create the next big breakthrough.
Celebrate World Arthritis Day with Arthritis UK
World Arthritis Day, held every year on October 12, is a global campaign to shine a light on the realities of living with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions. Established in 1996, World Arthritis Day aims to highlight the impact of arthritis by increasing understanding of conditions and symptoms, healthcare challenges, and treatment options.
Raising awareness is essential to ensure that, in the future, arthritis becomes preventable, more manageable and treatable. More than 500 million people living with arthritis worldwide are experiencing severe pain, reduced mobility and diminished quality of life. World Arthritis Day is an opportunity for people with arthritis to share their experiences, connect with each other and be heard.
About Arthritis UK
As well as raising awareness of arthritis and investing in world-class arthritis research, Arthritis UK offers practical support through a range of services.
Our services include
- trusted health information and support about arthritis conditions,
- practical advice around managing arthritis symptoms,
- everyday tips around living with arthritis,
- information for young people and their families,
- easy-to-follow exercise programmes and
- connecting people through online communities.
We also have dedicated hubs for health and care professionals and arthritis researchers.
If you need to talk to one of our specially trained advisers, our helpline is ready to take your call Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (excluding bank holidays).
Whether you're recently diagnosed or have been living with arthritis symptoms for years, we're here for you. Search using your town or postcode and you can find Arthritis UK support groups, events, activities and more near where you live.
Find out what's on in your areaHow you can get involved this World Arthritis Day
Our Arthritis UK community plays a vital role in fundraising, campaigning and raising awareness about the everyday challenges of living with arthritis.
Volunteer to help others whether in person or online and you can give your time to support others living with arthritis.
Find out moreSupport our groundbreaking research and services by making a donation or fundraising on our behalf.
Support usTell others about your experiences and tackle the myths and stigma around everyday life with arthritis.
Share your storyCelebrating your stories
At Arthritis UK, we know the impact of arthritis on everyday life can be huge, yet for a condition affecting so many people, far too little is done. This World Arthritis Day, we are creating awareness to ensure that people with arthritis feel heard and can access the care and support they need.
Angela's story: Living with osteoarthritis
“I've probably had osteoarthritis 12 or 13 years and I’m on the waiting list for knee replacements in both knees. I can potter around the house without a stick or a crutch, but as soon as I leave the house, I would have to have my crutch with me.
I don't really go to many places on my own these days. I tend to have somebody with me. I kind of lost my confidence going out and about. I used to think nothing of jumping on the bus. I can’t do that anymore because I haven’t been able to manage.”
- Angela Dullaghan, 62, from Haverfordwest, Wales
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