Arthritis stories

Diagnosed at just 5 years old, Madeleine has had both hips replaced along with both knees. She jokes that her medical team describes her as “the bionic woman”. 

Sheree was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 15, when a knee injury sparked an investigation which led to a diagnosis of arthritis. Over the years, her condition impacted other joints.

Diagnosed with JIA when she was 3, Imaani was diagnosed with JIA-related uveitis – an inflammatory eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not quickly treated. 

73-year-old John Winnik from Harrogate, Yorkshire, has been living with osteoarthritis since 2017. As the condition of his hips worsened, his career was significantly impacted.

Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, Christie uses social media to share her experience of living with a chronic condition and inspire other young people to live life to the full.

It took four years for Penny to receive a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. Thanks to the new drugs and research funded by Arthritis UK, she now leads a healthy, pain-free life.

Nick lives with osteoarthritis in his hips and right knee. Nick tells us how table tennis helps with his pain and shares his tips on staying physically active with osteoarthritis.

Paul and Anne have osteoarthritis and share how taking part in a 14-week Tai Chi programme has helped them to manage their arthritis symptoms.   

Charlie was diagnosed with reactive arthritis at 18. A keen runner, Charlie shares how he went from thinking he'd never run again to now being a captain of his university's running society. 

Previously a keen runner and badminton player, Jon changed his exercise routine to stay active and live well with osteoarthritis of the knees.

Heather, who lives with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), opens up about her journey towards being a volunteer and Tai Chi instructor for Arthritis UK.

Diagnosed with lupus at age 14, Varshi is now studying medicine at university, is on our Young People's Panel, and wants to share her tips to help other students with arthritis. 

Diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) when he was 18, Rhys is now training to be a sprinter. He shares his story, emphasising how arthritis doesn't have to limit what you can do.

James, 30, lives with rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. He shares his dating experiences and gives practical tips and advice around open communication. 

People of all ages who live with arthritis talk about how being creative provides distraction, expression and joy, helping to manage arthritis pain of arthritis. Read their experiences.