People with arthritis to struggle this winter amid cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis is making it even harder for people with arthritis to cope in their day-to-day lives.
New research also found that those from lower income areas are more likely to be impacted by the condition for longer, forced to give up work and less likely to receive support.
UK charity Arthritis Action is marking its 80th year of helping people with arthritis, and are using the anniversary to raise awareness of the help available for those struggling.
Over 10 million people live with the condition in the UK, making it the leading cause of pain and disability nationwide.
With the NHS being more stretched than ever, Arthritis Action is urging for more to be done to prioritise arthritis and to support those living with it.
Pulp keyboardist Candida Doyle recently spoke to Metro.co.uk about the huge impact the condition had on her life.
She was told she’d be in a wheelchair by the time she turned 30.
But she defied the cards dealt against her and, with ample support, is able to manage her condition and continue to play.
Jack Gaskin, 39, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when he was 33, has also shared his story.
His condition was so severe that his fingernails and toenails had started to fall off, leading to huge mental and physical anguish.
Speaking to mark the 80th anniversary of Arthritis Action, Jack said: ‘Arthritis can be a really lonely condition – I was only 35 when I was first diagnosed – still very young in my own eyes – and I didn’t have anyone else to speak to about how I was feeling.
‘It was a real game changer to find a supportive community of people who understood what it was like to live with arthritis. Even in the heart of the lockdown when I couldn’t leave the house, I was meeting new people and finding ways to reduce my symptoms.’
He said the help from the likes of Arthritis Action has been ‘life-changing’ in forging a way forward amidst his diagnosis.
To combat the increasing cost of living as the country enters the difficult winter months, the charity has just launched a new Cost of Living Hub.
It features useful resources and support for people living 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 draws in, particularly those who live with a long term condition such as arthritis. People affected by the condition should remember that they are not alone this winter.
‘Charities like Arthritis Action can provide support and information to help them manage their condition themselves and live a healthier life with arthritis.’
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