Ensuring arthritis is taken seriously as a major public health issue

Arthritis as a major public health issue

We believe that arthritis and MSK health must be taken seriously as a public health issue. Our aim is that in all four nations, MSK health will be prioritised by governments and health commissioners.

MSK conditions are the second leading cause of disability and the costs to the economy and society are significant. In 2022, MSK conditions accounted for 11% of sickness absences and 23.4 million working days were lost due to MSK conditions.

Those people living in deprived areas are more likely to develop arthritis or an MSK condition 10 to 15 years earlier than those living in affluent areas. People who live in the most deprived fifth of society are more likely to report arthritis or a long-term MSK condition compared to those living in the least deprived fifth. Living with some MSK conditions also increases your risk of having other health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease or diabetes.

We call on all four nations of the UK and local health authorities to make MSK a priority with appropriate plans and frameworks, backed up with implementation plans and accountability measures.