People with arthritis struggle in the winter amid the cost-of-living crisis

The cost of living crisis makes it even more difficult for people with arthritis to go about their daily lives.

New research also found that people from low-income areas are more likely to have the disease longer, be forced to stop working and be less likely to receive support.

UK charity Arthritis Action is celebrating 80 years of helping people with arthritis and is using the anniversary to raise awareness of the help that is available for those struggling.

Over 10 million people are living with the condition in the UK, making it the leading cause of pain and disability nationwide.

With the NHS stretched more than ever, Arthritis Action is urging that more is done to prioritize arthritis and support those living with it.

Pulp keyboardist Candida Doyle recently spoke to Metro.co.uk about the tremendous impact the disease has had on her life.

She was told that she would be in a wheelchair until she was 30.

But she defied the cards she was dealt and with ample support is able to cope with her condition and keep playing.

Jack Gaskin, 39, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 33, has also shared his story.

His condition was so bad that his fingernails and toenails started falling off, causing great mental and physical torment.

Celebrating Arthritis Action’s 80th anniversary, Jack said: “Arthritis can be a really lonely disease – I was only 35 when I was first diagnosed – still very young in my own mind – and I’ve had no one to deal with I could talk about how I felt.

“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 middle of lockdown, when I couldn’t leave the house, I met new people and found ways to relieve my symptoms.

He said Arthritis Action’s help was “life-changing” in finding a way forward amid his diagnosis.

To counteract the rising cost of living as the country enters the difficult winter months, the charity has just launched a new cost of living hub.

It provides useful resources and support for people living with arthritis.

Commenting on the cost of living crisis, Shantel Irwin, CEO of Arthritis Action said, “We all feel the cost of living increase when cold weather hits, especially those living with a long-term condition like 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 self-manage their condition and live healthier lives with arthritis.”

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