Antardhwani - A support Group for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

India is witnessing a steady rise in chronic diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), diabetes , and hypertension . While medical advancements have made these conditions more manageable, health insurance underwriting often continues to treat all chronic diseases as permanent high-risk conditions. A more evidence-based approach can create a fairer and more sustainable insurance system. Why the Current Approach Needs to Change Many insurers continue to classify chronic diseases as pre-existing conditions, leading to: Long waiting periods Coverage exclusions Higher premiums Limited policy options Patients with well-controlled conditions are often assessed the same way as those with active or uncontrolled disease, despite having different health risks. The Growing Need for Reform According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , more than 8.64 crore people are currently receiving treatment for hypertension and diabetes under the National Programm...

  Quick Answer Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. If you're wondering what is psoriatic arthritis , it is a condition that affects not only the joints and skin but can also impact the nails, eyes, spine, heart, lungs, digestive system, and mental health. Without proper treatment, ongoing inflammation may lead to joint damage, reduced mobility, and other serious health complications. Introduction Many people think psoriatic arthritis only causes joint pain. In reality, it is a systemic inflammatory disease, meaning the inflammation can affect multiple parts of the body—not just the joints. Psoriatic arthritis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation in the joints, tendons, ligaments, and sometimes internal organs. Around 30% of people with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, although psoriatic arthritis symptoms may sometimes appear before skin change...

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) doesn't stop someone from being a valuable employee. However, chronic joint pain, morning stiffness in spondylitis , spondylitis muscle stiffness , and fatigue can make everyday work more challenging. As inflammatory forms of arthritis disease , RA and AS often require ongoing management, but with the right workplace support, employees can remain productive, engaged, and successful. Why Workplace Inclusion Matters Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are often called invisible illnesses because their symptoms aren't always visible. Many employees continue working while quietly managing pain, stiffness, and fatigue, especially during morning hours when symptoms are often at their worst. What Research Says The numbers highlight the impact of inflammatory arthritis in the workplace. One clinical study of employed rheumatoid arthritis patients found an average 14% absenteeism , a 38.4% reduction i...