About us
Arthritis UK is the leading arthritis charity, changing lives through research, campaigning and support.
Over 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis. That’s one in six of us living with the pain, fatigue, disability, mental and financial strain it can cause. Many more live with arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported.
1 in 6
1 in 6 people live with arthritis
1 in 2
Almost 1 in 2 people will develop osteoarthritis by the age of 70
10 million
Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis
10,000
An estimated 10,000 children in the UK have juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
We know the impact of arthritis can be huge.
Affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently. Yet for a condition affecting so many, it’s poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why we invest in life-changing research into better treatments, support people through the daily challenges of life with arthritis, and campaign on the issues that matter most to people living with it.
At Arthritis UK, we won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope of a cure in the future.
£18
could help us to answer a call to our helpline
£50
could help someone with arthritis join a self management course
£100
could help supply a lab studying arthritis and its treatments
£285
could help a young person with arthritis attend weekend a residential
Together with your support, we can continue to work towards a future free from arthritis.
Meet a few people from our community who have kindly shared their stories. All have one thing in common, arthritis has affected their day to day lives.
Lauren, 27
Lauren, 27, started having symptoms of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in 2015. Here, Lauren shares the journey she has been on since getting her diagnosis, and how she has managed to forge a successful career while navigating her condition.
Holly, 14
Holly, age 14, has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Holly started doing karate because she didn’t think it could hurt more than her arthritis symptoms, she's now a gold medallist for Team Wales Here, Holly and her mum Laura tell us how karate has helped build Holly’s confidence and manage her condition.
Nick, 75
Nick, 75, from Derby, has osteoarthritis in his hips and right knee. He plays table tennis competitively and is also a qualified coach. Here, Nick tells us how table tennis helps with his pain and shares his tips on staying physically active with osteoarthritis.
Neil, 55
Neil, 55, was diagnosed with gout in 2002. While getting on the right medication and adjusting his diet helped his gout go into remission, he has since been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and sciatica. Here, Neil tells us more about his conditions and the impact they have on his daily life.
Sfiyah, 9
Sfiyah, 9, has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). While the diagnosis was a huge shock for Sfiyah and her family, Sfiyah has become very passionate about raising awareness of arthritis. Read here about how Sfiyah is keen to give back to the arthritis community.
Ed, 54
Ed, aged 54-year-old is a restaurant manager and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 17 years ago, and has cycled most days ever since. Here he tells us about living with psoriatic arthritis and how cycling has helped him both mentally and physically.
