Inflammation Nation is a new podcast from Arthritis Ireland presented by Gráinne O'Leary and Brian Lynch.

In this first series of Inflammation Nation, we’re speaking to clinicians, researchers, scientists and people living with arthritis about some of the groundbreaking research that’s happening, about how to manage your arthritis – whether that be in your personal relationships, your family, your job or wherever your life is at. We want this podcast to be a resource to help you live well with arthritis.

Over the course of eight episodes, you’re going to hear from national and international experts in their field, people who are helping to create a brighter, better world for people with arthritis. That’s our vision at Arthritis Ireland: A better world for people living with arthritis today and a world without arthritis tomorrow.

So, make sure you subscribe to Inflammation Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And – don’t forget to rate and share.

Episode 1: Psoriatic arthritis and Hippocrates

Prof Oliver FitzGerald and Prof Stephen Pennington

In this first episode, Prof Oliver FitzGerald and Prof Stephen Pennington talk to Gráinne O’Leary about psoriatic arthritis, how it’s diagnosed, its symptoms and impact, and patients’ unmet needs. They also discuss Hippocrates, an international research project aiming to develop personalised treatment options for those affected by psoriatic arthritis.

Also in this episode, Prof Doug Veale talks to Peter Boyd about how the weather affects arthritis. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe.

Download the episode transcription here.

Episode 2: Work and Arthritis

Dr Yvonne Codd

In this episode, Dr Yvonne Codd talks to Brian Lynch about work and arthritis. They explore challenges and opportunities experienced by people with arthritis in the workplace, what supports and resources are available, disclosing your condition to your employer, your rights as an employee, as well as what we’ve learned from the pandemic about working from home.

Also in this episode, Andy Dunne talks to Peter Boyd about the role of exercise and physical activity in managing arthritis.

Download the episode transcription here

Episode 3: Developments in arthritis research

Prof Gerry Wilson and Prof Ursula Fearon talk to Gráinne O’Leary about some of the developments taking place in rheumatology research in Ireland and internationally. Prof Wilson and Prof Fearon hold the Arthritis Ireland chairs in rheumatology at UCD and TCD, respectively. They discuss what this investment has meant for arthritis research and for people living with arthritis, including ground-breaking research into Down-syndrome associated arthritis. They also explore the importance of public and patient involvement (PPI) in research, developments in personalised medication, and risk factors for the development of arthritis.

Also in this episode, Peter Boyd explores if cracking your knuckles can cause or is bad for your arthritis. He talks to physiotherapist Ciara Mooney, while Niamh Hogan spoke to the people of south Dublin to get their views on the subject.

Download the episode transcription here

Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer.