October 12 is World Arthritis Day. The purpose of observing this day is to raise awareness of diseases characterized by joint inflammation, pain, swelling and limited mobility, and to emphasize the importance of their early detection and timely treatment.

Currently, there are 2,101 persons with disabilities related to arthritis in our country. Of these, 114 are registered with a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis, 926 with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, and 1,061 with other rheumatoid arthritis diagnoses.

A wide range of outpatient and inpatient medical services is provided under compulsory health insurance for the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of joint diseases.

Insured persons can benefit from the necessary laboratory tests, X-rays of the joints and ultrasound examinations of the musculoskeletal system based on a doctor's referral and medical indications.

Where necessary, in addition to examinations by specialized rheumatologists and orthopaedic traumatologists, advanced instrumental diagnostic services such as CT and MRI are also provided.

At the outpatient and therapeutic treatment stages, joint puncture, intra-articular injections, physiotherapy procedures and rehabilitation measures are applied based on medical indications.

In cases of severe osteoarthritis or complete structural damage to a joint, high-technology surgical procedures, such as knee and hip joint replacement with endoprostheses in inpatient settings, are also covered by compulsory health insurance.

Preoperative examinations, anaesthesia, inpatient stays, necessary medicines and medical consumables, as well as postoperative follow-up examinations, are also covered by the insurance fund.

If symptoms of arthritis are observed, consulting a doctor and receiving timely treatment are essential for early detection of the disease and prevention of complications.