Health services at risk of being overwhelmed by 'arthritis epidemic'

The health and social care system in England is likely to be overwhelmed with the rapidly increasing numbers of people with osteoarthritis, according to a new report from leading charity, Arthritis Research UK.

The charity says there is an urgent need to address the rise of an ‘arthritis epidemic’ rather than relying on treating people when their condition becomes too severe.

Over 4.5 million people in the UK currently live with the pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis of the knee – the most common form of the condition. Latest estimates suggest that this number could nearly double to 8.3 million by 2035, a tenth of the projected UK population.

A further 4 million people with varying forms of osteoarthritis in the hip, ankle and hand are living with the impact of the condition on a daily basis. The charity warns that this will lead to more people than ever depending on health and social care services to manage their pain and disability, and that there is a need to take prevention seriously.

The predicted increase is being blamed on current societal and health trends, such as rising levels of obesity, an increasing ageing population combined with low levels of physical activity.

The charity’s new report, Musculoskeletal health – a public health approach calls for national and local governments to include maintaining healthy joints, bones and muscles to prevent conditions such as arthritis in their public health plans. It says that there is a need for national and local governments to take the prevention of arthritis and promotion of musculoskeletal health seriously and to take action to ensure that people are empowered and supported to make the required lifestyle changes that will improve their own health.

 Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive of Arthritis Research UK, said: 'We are heading towards an arthritis epidemic in this country, which will place a huge burden on health and social care services, the economy and the individual. A concerted effort is needed by national and local government to tackle the causes of arthritis and promote lifelong joint, muscle and bone health.

'In doing so, and by adopting a public health approach, it would ensure that people are able to live not only longer, but well. The focus must shift from treating these conditions when they arise, to promoting lifelong joint and muscle health.' 

Despite the government’s efforts to keep people in work for longer, the charity predicts that increasing pain and disability will prevent people of working age staying in work. 

Each year around a fifth of the population consult their GP about a musculoskeletal condition. These conditions of the joints, muscles and bones account for £5 billion of NHS spend. They are the leading cause of working days lost (30.6 million) and cost UK economy around £14.8bn annually.

 Professor Alan Silman, medical director and director of health promotion, added: 'People increasingly understand the message that diet and exercise can reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes.

'We need a similar focus on reducing arthritis which can affect millions and blight their lives. Change is needed at every level including national government and local authorities. There needs to be a shift away from the perceptions that nothing can be done to prevent the condition to a public understanding that at every stage and at every age, the general public can take steps to improve their own musculoskeletal health. 

'Arthritis is not inevitable, nor should living in pain every day be acceptable. It’s time for a new approach to reduce the risks of developing the condition – a public health approach.'