Arthritis Treatment

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing arthritis generally begins with a physical examination to assess joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. To determine the exact type of arthritis, doctors may order blood, urine, or joint fluid tests. They may also prescribe imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, to visualise the affected joints.

How is Arthritis Treated Based on Severity?

Here are the possible treatments for arthritis based on its severity:

Types of Arthritis and Their Treatment

The treatment options available for different types of arthritis are as follows:

Surgical Treatments for Arthritis

The common surgical options for arthritis treatment include:

Other Treatments for Arthritis

Physical therapy may be used to help control arthritis symptoms and improve mobility. It includes exercises to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility. Sometimes a splint or brace may be recommended for added support and stability.

Occupational therapy can help patients safely perform daily activities after surgery and provide them with the tools and resources needed to stay independent during recovery. Topical creams and ointments like counterirritants are also helpful in temporary pain relief.

Oral Medications for Arthritis Treatment

The following medicines are commonly recommended to help manage arthritis symptoms:

• DMARDs: These medicines can slow disease progression and help protect joints and other tissues from permanent damage.

• NSAIDs: Medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac help relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation.

• Corticosteroids: Medicines such as prednisolone help reduce inflammation and pain and may slow joint damage in certain inflammatory types of arthritis.

Note: Medicines should be taken only on the physician's advice when undergoingsystemic treatment for arthritis. Blood tests and regular follow-upsmay be required to monitor your response.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Arthritis

The following alternative treatment options may help manage arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness:

• Ayurvedic Therapies: Practices such as Panchakarma and Abhyanga (oil massage), along with herbs such as Guggulu, Ashwagandha, and turmeric, are traditionally used in Ayurveda to manage arthritis symptoms.

• Acupuncture: Specific points are pressed with thin needles to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. It improves blood flow and activates the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

• Yoga: Deep breathing and light yoga poses may help reduce pain and stiffness in joints. It also helps in improving flexibility, relaxation, and stress management.

Note: It is advisable to consult a qualified medical practitioner when using alternative medical treatments.

Home Care for Managing Arthritis

The following home care measures can help manage arthritis pain and stiffness:

• Stay physically active to keep joints moving and delay arthritis-related physical limitations.

• Around 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as walking, can be helpful.

• Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, music, or journaling.

• Use heating pads, warm baths, hot showers, or warm paraffin wax for temporary relief from joint pain.

• A gentle massage may provide short-term relief from pain and stiffness.

Latest Treatment for Arthritis in India

Researchers at Columbia University have studied knee artery embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced imaging to block blood flow to inflamed areas of the knee, potentially reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility without major surgery. For India's growing arthritis population, this day care procedure presents an accessible, non-surgical alternative that can significantly reduce recovery time and hospital stays.

Researchers at BITS Pilani have also developed a nanomedicine-based topical gel for rheumatoid arthritis, which has shown encouraging results in preclinical studies but still requires further safety studies and clinical trials. Stem cell therapy is another innovative approach being explored for arthritis treatment.

How Long Does Arthritis Treatment Take?

Currently, arthritis cannot be cured completely, hence patients may require lifelong treatment, including medicines, physical therapy, and lifestyle management to manage symptoms and maintain mobility.

Arthritis Treatment Side Effects

Medicines used to manage arthritis, such as steroids and NSAIDs, can cause the following side effects:

• Thinning of bones

• Weight gain

• Increased risk of diabetes

• Gas

• Bloating

• Diarrhoea

• Heartburn

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Arthritis

The following changes can help manage arthritis symptoms, protect the joints, and improve mobility:

• Maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight puts additional pressure on joints and can worsen the damage.

• Stay physically active with regular, suitable exercises to keep the joints flexible and mobile.

• Use assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, shoe inserts, or raised toilet seats, to protect joints and make everyday activities easier.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to support your overall health while managing arthritis.

Triggers That Can Worsen Symptoms of Arthritis

Here are certain triggers that can cause arthritis symptoms to flare up or become more noticeable:

• Repeated movements or overuse of a joint

• Emotional stress

• Cold weather and changes in atmospheric pressure

• Infections such as strep throat may trigger symptoms in certain types of arthritis

• Weight gain, which places additional pressure on weight-bearing joints

• Skin injuries and certain medicines

• Smoking, alcohol consumption, certain foods, or allergies may worsen symptoms

Arthritis Treatment Cost

Conservative care for arthritis, including physiotherapy, medicines, injections, and regular medical care, can cost around ₹75,000. If the condition requires joint replacement or another surgical procedure, the treatment cost can increase to ₹3.5 lakh or more. Other expenses include diagnostic tests, such as X-rays (₹150 to ₹1,200 per session) and joint MRI scans (₹2,500 to ₹10,000).

Does Health Insurance Cover Arthritis Treatment in India?

Yes. Most of the health insurance policies in India cover arthritis treatment, including joint replacement surgery and arthroscopy, along with other hospitalisation expenses like ICU and room rent, medicine costs, and ambulance charges.

Other expenses, including pre- and post-hospitalisation, modern treatments, day care procedures and domiciliary hospitalisation are covered subject to the policy's terms and conditions. Regular consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests are covered under a health insurance plan usually with an OPD cover.

Many policies cover arthritis treatment as a specified disease/procedure that usually has a waiting period of 1 or 2 years. If arthritis was diagnosed before purchasing the mediclaim policy, it will be considered a pre-existing medical condition, with a longer waiting period of up to 3 years.

Health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh is recommended to cover arthritis treatment. Older people or individuals with a family history of arthritis can opt for higher coverage to get comprehensive financial protection.

Disclaimer: Read your policy documents carefully, as inclusions, exclusions, and coverage details are different for each policy.