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...

Autoimmune diseases are no longer limited to older adults, they are now increasingly affecting young Indians. Conditions such as seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis are being diagnosed earlier, raising concerns about long-term health and quality of life. Key Reasons Behind the Rise 1. Lifestyle Changes Immune balance is increasingly under threat due to our sedentary lifestyles, long working hours and general lack of physical activity. Factors such as these have significantly upped the risk factors associated with ankylosing spondylitis. 2. Dietary Habits Process foods and increased sugary intake can affect your gut health which is crucial for your immune system. 3. Genetic & Environmental Triggers Genetic factors and ankylosing spondylitis genetic risk play a significant role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis . However, exposure to pollution and environmental toxins appears to be hastening the onset of symptoms. 4. Stress & Mental Health St...

With Ankylosing Spondylitis, many people face challenging days of stiffness and pain. As Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms such as morning stiffness with back pain interfere with daily activities, a solid treatment plan is in order. While medications are crucial to treatment, physical therapy for ankylosing spondylitis and increased activity levels play important long-term roles. Why Physiotherapy Matters Maintaining mobility, improving posture, and preventing disability are common goals of physiotherapy. Maintaining greater spinal mobility, in particular, can help to prevent serious complications for people with ankylosing spondylitis . Key Benefits Reduces stiffness and improves flexibility Helps manage pain alongside medications Prevents posture-related complications Supports better breathing and movement Does Movement Help? Exercise is one of the most powerful things you can do to control the symptoms of arthritis , by keeping the joints as active as possible, helping to strengthen ...

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is often associated with older age, but a growing number of young adults are being diagnosed with this chronic autoimmune condition. Despite decades of research, the exact cause of RA is still not fully understood. What experts do know is that RA develops due to a complex interaction of genetic, immune, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors – many of which can begin influencing the body years before symptoms appear. Autoimmune Dysfunction Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the joints. This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage that may begin silently in young adults. Genetic Predisposition Certain genetic variations increase susceptibility to RA, especially in individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases. Genetics alone do not cause RA but significantly raise risk when combined with external triggers. Environmental Tr...