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The cost of living crisis is making it even more difficult for people with arthritis to cope in their daily lives.
New research has also found that people from low-income areas are more likely to be affected by the disease for longer, forced out of work and less likely to receive support.
UK charity Arthritis Action is celebrating its 80th year of helping people with arthritis and is using the anniversary to raise awareness of the help available for those struggling.
Over 10 million people live with this condition in the UK, making it the leading cause of pain and disability nationwide.
With the NHS under more strain than ever, Arthritis Action urges that more is done to prioritize arthritis and support those who suffer from it.
Pulp keyboardist Candida Doyle recently spoke to Metro.co.uk about the huge impact the condition has had on her life.
She was told she would be in a wheelchair when she was 30.
But she has defied the cards dealt against her and with enough support is able to manage her condition and keep playing.
Jack Gaskin, 39, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 33, also shared his story.
His condition was so severe that his fingernails and toenails had begun to fall off, causing enormous mental and physical anguish.
Speaking on the 80th anniversary of Arthritis Action, Jack said: ‘Arthritis can be a really lonely disease – I was only 35 when I was first diagnosed – still very young in my own eyes – and I had no one else to talk to about how I felt.
“It was really game-changing to find a supportive community of people who understood what it was like to live with arthritis. Even in the midst of lockdown, when I couldn’t leave the house, I was meeting new people and finding ways to reduce my symptoms.
He said the help of people like Arthritis Action was “life-changing” in forging a path forward amid his diagnosis.
To combat the rising cost of living as the country enters the harsh winter months, the charity has just launched a new cost of living hub.
It offers helpful resources and support for people with arthritis.
Commenting on the cost of living crisis, Shantel Irwin, CEO of Arthritis Action, said: “We are all noticing the rising cost of living as the cold weather arrives, especially those living with long-term illness. duration like arthritis. Those affected by the disease should remember that they are not alone this winter.
“Charities like Arthritis Action can provide support and information to help people self-manage their condition and live a healthier life with arthritis.”
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