The disease areas that we research
Most of the research that we fund will be relevant to one or
more specific arthritic or musculoskeletal conditions that lead to
pain, other symptoms and the potential to lead to disability.
Unlike single disease charities, we cover a
large number of different disorders and conditions. The
common factor is that they involve the musculoskeletal system and
lead to pain, and or other symptoms, with the potential to lead to
disability.
The following is an indicative (not
exhaustive) list of disorders that we support. The areas of
concern are in part determined by the availability of other
research funders.
Diseases of joints
- Diseases of joints or arthritis are the core disorders of our
research.
- Other disorders that affect joints by affecting the directly
surrounding tissues such as ligaments, tendons and other
structures.
Other diseases
We also support research into other diseases and disorders that
affect the limbs and spine and cause pain and disability. These can
be subdivided into:
Diseases of connective and supporting
tissues
There are several disorders that affect many organ systems in
the body (connective tissue disorders) of which the musculoskeletal
system is only one.
Musculoskeletal involvement in some individuals with such
disorders may be absent either partly or totally during the course
of their illness.
- We will support research into such disorders where
musculoskeletal involvement is either frequent, or when present is
severe and disabling for the individual diseases of bone.
- We support research into bone disorders with an emphasis on
those that are common disorders and lead to pain and, or
disability.
- We do not support research into malignant tumours of the bone
or the consequences of trauma in healthy individuals.
Diseases of muscle
- We support research into disorders of muscle that occur as part
of the spectrum of connective tissue disorders including
inflammatory myopathies.
- We do not support research into genetic or other congenital
muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy.
Diseases of nerves
- We support research into disorders of nerves that occur as part
of the spectrum of connective tissue disorders.
- We do not support research into disorders that are primarily
neurological such as Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s
disease.
Functional disorders
- We support research in to those disorders in which
musculoskeletal pain is a predominant feature, even in the absence
of a demonstrable abnormality in any particular tissue or
organ.
Policy for distribution between disorders
- Disorders that affect joints directly or cause symptoms in and
around joints take precedence over other disorders.