Arthritis Treatment Cost in India

Arthritis treatment in India typically ranges from $500 to $6,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Arthritis is not one disease. The NHS lists many types, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cost depends on:

• Diagnosis: examination, blood tests and imaging.
• Medicines: pain relief, anti-inflammatories and, for inflammatory arthritis, immune-modifying medicines.
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: to maintain strength and function.
• Surgery: for severe joint damage, such as joint replacement, which is usually priced separately.

• Osteoarthritis: the most common type; often affects knees, hips and feet from the late 40s, according to the NHS.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: usually starts in the small joints of hands and feet; early specialist treatment helps protect joints.
• Gout: often affects the big toe with sudden pain, swelling and heat.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: back pain and stiffness, usually starting before 40.
• Psoriatic arthritis: joint symptoms with psoriasis.

Getting the type right matters because treatment for inflammatory arthritis differs from osteoarthritis.

The NHS states there is currently no cure for arthritis, but treatments help manage symptoms:

• Exercise and weight management: low-impact activity such as walking, swimming or yoga.
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: for strength, mobility and daily tasks.
• Medicines: to relieve pain and inflammation or reduce immune activity.
• Equipment: walking aids and other supports.
• Surgery: if symptoms are severe and other treatments have not helped.

The NHS advises urgent help for:

• Sudden severe swelling in one joint: or hot, red skin over a joint.
• Joint pain with fever: which may be infection.
• Pain not relieved by painkillers
• Eye or genital symptoms with joint pain

For questions about traditional remedies such as Ayurveda, discuss them with your rheumatologist, as some supplements interact with prescribed medicines.