An overview of Arthritis

Dr Chandrashekhara S

I am indeed delighted and honoured to be a part of this convention of Mission Arthritis India (MAI), Pune. It gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts on arthritis amongst you

Arthritis: Burden, Impact, and the Path to Better Care in India

Arthritis is a group of joint disorders characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and lifelong disability. In India, over 180 million individuals are affected, making arthritis more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. The most common forms include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and arthritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although often perceived as a condition affecting the elderly, arthritis also impacts younger adults and children.

Burden and Impact on Life

Arthritis significantly impacts the physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being of individuals and society. Chronic pain, joint deformities, and reduced mobility limit daily activities and quality of life. Economically, arthritis reduces workforce participation, leading to early retirement and financial strain. The high cost of long-term treatment, including consultations, physiotherapy, and joint replacement surgeries, is often unaffordable. Families and caregivers face an additional burden, providing physical and emotional support to affected individuals.

Challenges in Arthritis Care

Despite its high prevalence, arthritis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in India. Many general practitioners lack training in early arthritis detection, leading to delayed referrals to rheumatologists. Specialist care is scarce, especially in rural areas. Advanced therapies, such as biologics, remain inaccessible for most patients due to high costs and limited insurance coverage. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups.

Role of Clinicians in Coping and Management

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing irreversible joint damage. Primary care physicians should be trained to recognize early symptoms and refer patients to specialists promptly. Patient education on lifestyle modifications, including exercise, weight management, and dietary changes, can slow disease progression and improve outcomes.

Collaboration between clinicians, patients and care givers, pharmaceutical industries and policymakers can lead to more affordable treatment options. Cost-effective alternatives to biologics should be promoted to improve accessibility. Awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma and encourage patients to seek timely medical attention.

Policy Reforms and Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest barriers to effective arthritis care in India is limited insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover hospitalization but exclude long-term outpatient care, medications, and physiotherapy. Private insurers should be encouraged to provide arthritis-specific plans covering biologic therapies, joint replacements, and disability benefits. Expanding insurance coverage is essential for multiple reasons.

First, it reduces financial strain by covering essential treatments, preventing disease progression and disability. Second, it enhances access to advanced therapies, particularly for autoimmune arthritis.

Third, it helps keep individuals active in the workforce, reducing economic losses due to arthritis-related disability.

Finally, it improves overall health outcomes by ensuring that patients receive timely and continuous care.

Mission Arthritis India: I appreciate the efforts and congratulate the achievement of Mission Arthritis India (MAI)

• Mission Arthritis India has been instrumental in advocating for better arthritis care, raising awareness, and pushing for policy reforms. Key achievements include:
  • Establishing a patient registry, conducted community-based arthritis camps, and published educational materials to enhance public awareness.
  • Promoting community-driven research, advocated for arthritis prevention and rehabilitation, and worked towards integrating various medical systems for better care.
  • Becoming a founding support member of the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) 2000-2010, supported by WHO, and gained government recognition for arthritis initiatives.
  • Planning to develop a dedicated website, offer telemedicine services, and train primary care physicians to improve early arthritis diagnosis and treatment.
  • Advocating for comprehensive health insurance coverage for arthritis patients, ensuring affordability of medications, physiotherapy, and joint replacement surgeries.

Conclusion

Collaborative efforts among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates can improve early diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and quality of life. With continued efforts, India can ensure that arthritic patients receive the care they need to lead fulfilling and pain-free lives. Mission Arthritis India (MAI) continues to lead the way, advocating for change and supporting patients in their journey. I wish all the bet to MIA convention Pune and in all their future projects.