PRESS MEET
On 12th October every year, World Arthritis Day is celebrated to spread awareness about arthritis disease. Globally, about 1 in 4 people suffer from some form of arthritis. On this World Arthritis Day, we aim to spread awareness about chronic rheumatic diseases, their impact, and the measures one can take to prevent it.
When one thinks of arthritis, one usually envisions an old person with creaky joints. But that’s not always true. Majority of immune mediated arthritis affect young people in the 3rd and 4th decade of life. It used to be considered a crippling disease resulting in deformities till the end of last century. In today’s day and age, it is considered a chronic disease and a large majority of patients enjoy a good quality of life. One young family member in pain can pull down the morale of the entire family and put the entire family on the backfoot. Early initiation of effective treatment is the most important factor which can halt destructive joint damage.
Apart from the societal burden of arthritis, the financial burden of arthritis is mammoth. In a recent analysis carried out by members of Karnataka chapter of Indian Rheumatology Association(KRA), on an average, patients witha rheumatoid arthritis, spend about INR 60,000/- per year on their treatment. About two-third of this expense is related to medications alone. Also, one third of these patients spend more than 20% of their annual income for theira treatment which is largely, out- of -pocket. In the absence of recognition of these diseases by the Govt schemes and majority of insurance schemes, these illnesses continue to drain the family incomes.
As a rheumatologist, our aim is to ensure that no or minimal damage is caused to the joints. This ensures not only lower financial burden, but also an good quality of life enjoyed by the patient and their family. This is very important from a societal perspective.
Meet a rheumatologist if you or your loved ones have aches and pains. The list of Rheumatology consultants available across Karnataka is available on the KRA website. (https://www.irakarnataka.org/) Reaching the ‘right specialist at the right time’ is the KEY to successful outcome.
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