Obesity 'driving rising arthritis risk in recent generations'
The rising prevalence of obesity is leading to an increase in the frequency of rheumatoidarthritis cases. This is according to a new study from the University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute in Canada, which has indicated that weight problems are cancelling out the positive impact of other lifestyle factors when it comes torheumatoid arthritis risk. Arthritis risk increasing over time The study analysed data from 8,817 people taking part in the Canadian National Population Health Survey between 1994 and 2011 to determine whether successive generations were affected by different arthritis prevalence and risk facto...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - October 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

New hydrogel developed to combat rheumatoid arthritis
A new gel-based material has been developed that could help to treat rheumatoidarthritis through a number of modes of action. Researchers from South Korea's Institute for Basic Science have created the gel to detect nitric oxide, a core mechanism that allows the substance to be used to absorb additional fluid from swollen joints, or to release medication to affected areas. How the gel works A report published in the journal Advanced Materials has shown how the gel is able to respond to the overproduction of nitric oxide, which often occurs when immune cells become overactive in inflamed joints. Research leader Kim Won ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - October 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Former rugby union players 'at greater risk of arthritis'
This study provides information for those who play the sport on the short and long-term risks and benefits associated with rugby. It is also hoped that further studies, building on this work, will generate better preventative advice and treatment for both professional and recreational sports players." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - October 11, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Arthritis on the agenda at party conferences
The policy, public affairs and campaigns team (PPA) has been raising recognition of arthritis at four key political party conferences: Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservatives and the Scottish National Party.Alongside our Chief Executive, Liam O’Toole, staff attended various high profile events and round tables, and for the first time, at Labour and Conservative conferences, we also had an exhibition stand:showcasing hard hitting stats about the impact of arthritisproviding copies of ourPrevent, Transform, Cure manifesto, with key asks for MPsproviding local statistics for MPs to learn about prevalence in their ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - October 10, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Committee of MPs launch new inquiry into benefits
On the 29th September, the Work and Pensions Committee, an influential group of MPs, launched a new inquiry where they will investigate how the application, assessment and appeals processes are working for two benefits: Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).If you’re ill or disabled, ESA offers you financial support if you can’t work, alongside help to get you back into work if you’re able to. PIP provides financial support to help with some of the extra costs caused by living with a long-term condition or disability. The amount you get depends on how your condition a...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - October 4, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

The life sciences, Brexit and the UK Government ’s Industrial Strategy
In this report, we highlighted the benefits that collaboration has delivered for European science, and ultimately how this has improved the health of patients and the public across the European Union. The study has already proven influential and was widely referenced in the Government’s recent Brexit position paper on its ambitions for UKscience and innovation published earlier this month, which included the aim of continued future collaboration with the EU. The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy In response to the Industrial Strategy, sector leaders from the life sciences, including the Association of Medical Researc...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - September 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Raising the profile of long term conditions in Parliament
On Monday 11th September, our Policy and Public Affairs team attended a Parliamentary drop-in to help MPs understand more about the needs of people with long term conditions. The event was coordinated by the Richmond Group, a coalition of 14 leading health and social care organisations - including Arthritis Research UK - who work together to influence policy and practice.The organisations that make up the coalition represent 15 million people with long term conditions in the UK who regularly need to rely on health and care services. We work together to campaign for improvements, and ensure that everyone with a long term co...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - September 17, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Get a grip on PIP
A new report released on 14 September 2017 by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) - of which Arthritis Research UK is a member- demonstrates the huge problems which many people experience when trying to access Personal Independence Payments. A Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a source of financial support designed to help disabled people and those with long-term conditions manage the extra costs of their condition.Debs is in her forties and has had arthritis since she was born. Her story is featured in the‘Supporting those who need it most?’ report:“When I wake up I am in pain instantly. My hu...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - September 13, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Osteoporosis gene study reveals potential new treatment targets
Scientists have identified a number of new genetic variants that are implicated in the development ofosteoporosis following a major study. The research, led by the University of Queensland in Australia and McGill University in Canada, have carried out the largest ever genetic study of osteoporosis, with their findings potentially paving the way for new approaches to treating the bone disease. A broad-ranging study The study was published in the medical journal Nature Genetics and analysed data from more than 140,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, with bone mineral density assessments taken from ultrasounds of the heel. A...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - September 7, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news