Our achievements so far...

Since Arthritis Research UK was founded (as the Empire Rheumatism Council) in 1936, treatment of arthritis and related conditions has changed beyond recognition. Much of this is as a result of the research we’ve funded. Many people with what were then known as rheumatic diseases were generally bedbound, with little hope of effective treatment, let alone a cure.

The outlook for patients has improved significantly over the years, largely due to our work as we began to train medics, fund hundreds of research projects and educate patients on the many different types of arthritis.

Effective drug treatments and joint replacements have transformed people’s lives, and the emphasis on self-management and staying active marks a shift from the old medical advice to rest and that “nothing that can be done.” Our scientists pioneered one of the biggest research breakthroughs in recent years – anti-TNF therapy – which has revolutionised treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

We are the leading arthritis research charity in the UK, and we fund only the very best scientific work which we expect to make a real difference to people’s lives.

We hope you will join us as we want to do even more to achieve our vision – a future free from arthritis.