Remember me
These conditions, which include back pain and joint issues, are the leading cause of long-standing illness in Scotland, with the number of sufferers including 48,000 children and young people.
There is currently no plan that considers the needs of this group living with the pain, fatigue, disability and the mental and financial strain these conditions cause, according to Arthritis UK Scotland.
READ MORE: Protesters march to US Consulate over strikes on Iran
In Scotland, one in three people with arthritis/MSK conditions say their condition severely or very severely impacts their life.
The charity has now set out the steps the next Scottish Government must take to tackle the impact of these conditions, currently causing “unnecessary” chronic pain and disability.
It points out that one in three people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on the first day of the new Scottish parliament this year will have been forced out of work due to their condition by the end of that same parliament.
The charity is demanding a “relentless” focus on tackling orthopaedic waiting times as demand continues to grow.
In addition, it says access to surgery must be based on need and adhere to guidance, rather than applying body mass index policies as eligibility criteria.
Deborah Alsina MBE, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said people with arthritis/MSK conditions in Scotland were currently being let down.
“They can wait years for diagnosis, struggle to access treatment and face barriers to work and independence,” she said.
“They are 20% less likely to be in work than people without arthritis, and people in the poorest communities are hit hardest. It is a public health issue, an equality and workforce challenge.
“The next Scottish parliament must tackle orthopaedic waiting times, improve services and deliver a long-term plan for better musculoskeletal health. These are urgent priorities.”
READ MORE: Scottish professor dies in plane crash in Namibia as tributes pour in
A recent survey commissioned by Arthritis UK and carried out by YouGov, surveyed nearly 8000 people with arthritis in the UK. Of these, more than 1000 were from Scotland.
The results showed that more than 62% are living in pain most of the time due to their arthritis, 37% felt their condition was not well managed, 45% said their ability to exercise was affected severely or very severely by their symptoms, 69% said waiting for treatment had an impact on their mental health, 49% said their symptoms were not taken seriously by healthcare professionals and 56% said arthritis had impacted on their working lives.
Alan McGinley, policy and engagement manager for Scotland, Arthritis UK, said: “None of the political parties in Scotland has a credible plan on how to tackle musculoskeletal conditions, yet one in three people in Scotland are living with them.
“Of these people, 62% say they live in pain most or all the time due to their arthritis.
“This means the needs of this group are not being addressed, and that just isn’t good enough.”