3D-printed implants and scaffold technology – how bioengineering innovation could treat and prevent osteoarthritis
The need for new and effective ways to treat and preventosteoarthritis has never been more urgent. Demand for total joint replacements is rising every year, and expected to double by 2030, placing a huge strain on the NHS. Meanwhile, those living with the pain of early stage osteoarthritis or at risk of developing it due to injury face limited treatment options.That’s why Arthritis Research UK is investing in innovative research dedicated to developing medical technologies which could provide an answer. By 'medical technologies' we mean cutting-edge medical devices, orthotics, implants and imaging techniques, harness...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Juliette and Kirran explain what working on our campaign has meant to them
Arthritis Research UK’sThe Nation’s Joint Problem campaign has reached millions of people over the last three months, through national news stories and features and TV, cinema and billboard advertising. We asked two people who helped to shape the campaign content about their experience of being part of our ground-breaking push to change attitudes to arthritis.JulietteJournalist and author ofMostly Cloudy, Some Bright Spells Juliette Wills, 45, has lived with inflammatory spinal arthritis for 18 years. She wrote thesix powerful stories featured in The Guardian which exposed the hidden impact of arthritis, as wel...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

We ’ve joined forces with Arthritis Care to do more for people with arthritis
Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care have a shared ambition to support people with arthritis to live full and active lives. That’s why from 1 November 2017 we've joined forces. We’re working together, sharing our expertise and combining our strengths to become a single charity committed to having an even bigger positive impact on the over 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis.Together our two organisations have decades of expertise and experience – in science and research, in campaigning, in providing information, advice and support and creating online and face to face networks for pe...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Top arthritis and cancer scientists work together on ideas which could lead to new treatments
A collaboration between Arthritis Research UK and Cancer Research UK is bringing together leading research scientists specialising in inflammatory arthritis and cancer to share expertise and explore ideas which could lead to exciting new treatments for both diseases.The body’s immune system plays a vital role in the development of both inflammatory arthritis and cancer. In cancer the immune system is underactive, failing to attack unhealthy cells which leads to the growth of tumours. While in rheumatoid arthritis the immune system becomes overactive, attacking healthy cells by mistake causing inflammation and pa...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

New report says PIP process 'not fit for purpose'
The problems experienced by many people with arthritis when trying to access Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are highlighted inSupporting Those Who Need It Most?, a hard-hitting report from the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC)– a group of more than 80 national organisations, including Arthritis Research UK.PIP is a source of financial support designed to help people manage the extra costs they may face when living with a disability or long-term condition. It provides a lifeline to many people with arthritis. However, this new report exposes a PIP system not fit for purpose in its current form, with many des...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Innovative design tackles everyday challenges
When you’re dealing with the big problems of living with arthritis, like pain, stiffness and inflamed joints, the last thing you need is lots more smaller problems that can make life even more difficult. Those everyday struggles to open a jar, lock a front door, get out of the bath or lift a kettle can sometimes feel like the last straw. So, for the second year running, we’ve teamed up with the Design Council to find and fund the best and brightest design ideas hoping to make everyday life better for people with arthritis.Once again Arthritis Research UK supported a category at the annual Spark Awards inviting ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Can symptom tracking apps help people manage their arthritis?
With smartphones now an integral part of our lives, and free apps readily available to help us track and manage everything from our money and social lives to diet and exercise, it’s vital we invest in research exploring how technology can help to improve treatment and care for people with arthritis of all ages.Two pilot studies, both supported by funding from Arthritis Research UK, have worked closely with people with inflammatory arthritis to design, develop and test apps to help with symptom tracking and monitoring. Positive feedback from patients suggests apps have potential to help people with arthritis to better...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

3D-printed implants and scaffold technology – how bioengineering innovation could treat and prevent osteoarthritis
The need for new and effective ways to treat and preventosteoarthritis has never been more urgent. Demand for total joint replacements is rising every year, and expected to double by 2030, placing a huge strain on the NHS. Meanwhile, those living with the pain of early stage osteoarthritis or at risk of developing it due to injury face limited treatment options.That’s why Arthritis Research UK is investing in innovative research dedicated to developing medical technologies which could provide an answer. By 'medical technologies' we mean cutting-edge medical devices, orthotics, implants and imaging techniques, harness...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Government announces proposals for social care
On 16 November 2017, the Government announced that it will publish a green paper on social care and support by summer 2018.Good quality, accessible social care is vital for many people living with arthritis. We know that, when done well, it can mean people live fuller and more independent lives. It can also provide those affected by arthritis with much-needed aids and adaptations to support theirdaily living.Currently, the social care system is letting people down, and must be improved. As members of the Care and Support Alliance (CSA), we have been campaigning for the Government to put the social care system on a sustaina...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Vitamin D 'may help prevent development of rheumatoid arthritis'
People who consume plenty of vitamin D could lower their risk of developing rheumatoidarthritis, according to a new study. The University of Birmingham research, published in the Journal of Autoimmunity, has revealed key insights into the relationship between vitamin D and inflammatory diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis, with implications for those at risk for such conditions as well as those already affected. The vital role vitamin D plays in rheumatoid arthritis The researchers analysed samples of blood and synovial fluid from the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, making this the first study to cha...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Decompression surgery 'may not benefit people with shoulder pain'
This study suggests that other treatments such as physiotherapy can be just as effective as shoulder surgery, and should be taken into consideration with patients considering surgery and could influence the decisions made by health providers. "Often shoulder pain can be short-lived, but if you’re experiencing shoulder pain which continues for more than two weeks, or gets worse, speak to your doctor or aphysiotherapist in case you have a more complex problem." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Vitamin D 'may help prevent development of rheumatoid arthritis'
People who consume plenty of vitamin D could lower their risk of developing rheumatoidarthritis, according to a new study. The University of Birmingham research, published in the Journal of Autoimmunity, has revealed key insights into the relationship between vitamin D and inflammatory diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis, with implications for those at risk for such conditions as well as those already affected. The vital role vitamin D plays in rheumatoid arthritis The researchers analysed samples of blood and synovial fluid from the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, making this the first study to cha...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Government announces proposals for social care
On 16 November 2017, the Government announced that it will publish a green paper on social care and support by summer 2018.Good quality, accessible social care is vital for many people living with arthritis. We know that, when done well, it can mean people live fuller and more independent lives. It can also provide those affected by arthritis with much-needed aids and adaptations to support theirdaily living.Currently, the social care system is letting people down, and must be improved. As members of the Care and Support Alliance (CSA), we have been campaigning for the Government to put the social care system on a sustaina...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Decompression surgery 'may not benefit people with shoulder pain'
This study suggests that other treatments such as physiotherapy can be just as effective as shoulder surgery, and should be taken into consideration with patients considering surgery and could influence the decisions made by health providers. "Often shoulder pain can be short-lived, but if you’re experiencing shoulder pain which continues for more than two weeks, or gets worse, speak to your doctor or aphysiotherapist in case you have a more complex problem." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 21, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Osteoarthritis patients 'negatively affected by a fear of movement'
People with kneeosteoarthritis are experiencing a decreased quality of life due to a fear of movement associated with the condition. This is according to a new US study carried out by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which has indicated that this fear of movement may be causing those with osteoarthritis to lead less active lifestyles, putting them at risk of their conditions worsening. Factors affecting fear of movement For this study, a total of 350 participants taking part in a clinical trial were asked to evaluate their fear of movement, as well as providing details on their age, sex, race, education,pai...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - November 15, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news