It is more than likely that you or someone you know has arthritis. Arthritis causes stiffness, pain and sometimes swelling around the joints. This can make everyday activities very difficult. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and the cause of which is generally unknown. To try to understand arthritis better, medical workers are studying three factors and their roles. These are what happens to you during your life, what genetic factors you inherit from your parents and how you live.

Some examples of the types of arthritis include:

• Gout - is a condition that generally attacks small joints and most often the big toe. Gout mainly affects men and is usually due to a defect in body chemistry. Diet changes and medication can control gout
• Osteoarthritis – is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease where by the cartilage at the end of the bones deteriorates. Bone begins to rub against bone causing loss of movement and pain.
• Scleroderma – is a connective tissue which causes a hardening and thickening of the skin. It is a disease of the body
• Rheumatoid arthritis – affects women mostly and is one of the most serious and disabling forms. It is an autoimmune disease where by the joint lining becomes inflamed
• Fibromyalgia – affects women mostly and causes pain to the muscles and attachments to the bone

There are numerous signs and symptoms of arthritis. If you have experienced stiffness or swelling around a joint or pain for more than two weeks you should consult a doctor. It is important to diagnose which form of arthritis you have in order to start the most effective form of treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint swelling
• Reduced movement of the joint
• Early morning stiffness
• Joint pain
• Warmth around the joint
• Redness of the skin around the joint

As the body ages the vast majority of people will feel arthritic pain and inflammation. Joints naturally degenerate over time. It is important to remember that arthritis can be managed. A combination of exercise, weight management, good nutrition and medication can help to control your arthritis.

Arthritis treatment varies greatly depending on which of the numerous forms you are suffering from. The individual's age, occupation, severity of disease and how it is affecting their daily life can determine what treatments are appropriate. Generally arthritis is not curable. As a consequence most treatments are focused on reducing discomfort and pain and preventing any further disability. It is likely that treatments will focus eliminating the underlying causes of the arthritis. Treatments are likely to include methods to protect the joints, medications, exercise and hot or cold treatments. Medications to help to reduce joint pain and swelling can include among others aspirin, corticosteriods, acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that will more than likely be with you for the rest of your life. The medical costs associated with long term treatment can be very high. International medical plans provide cover for chronic conditions where the condition was not present at the point of policy conception. Generally international medical plans are fully portable. Allowing you to move countries and take your policy with you. The majority of plans are guaranteed renewable providing you with the comfort that you will always be covered. Other key benefits can include in and out patient treatment, maternity and dental cover. If you would like to discuss your insurance needs, please feel free to contact our expert consultants.