Speak with an experienced advisor! Osteoarthritis and Its Impact on Life Insurance Prices
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is also referred to as hypertrophic or degenerative joint disease and most commonly affects older people. Daily wear and tear on the weight bearing joints of the hips, knees and spine make them susceptible to osteoarthritis, but it can affect fingers, thumbs, the neck and the great toes, too. Joints that have been injured or that are under excessive stress from heavy manual labor, repetitive motion or obesity may also be at risk for developing osteoarthritis. Although this condition can have its beginnings in the teen years, it is more prevalent in older people. Family history plays a significant role in who will develop this condition.
Other related medical conditions (or medical terminology) include Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease , Joint Disease. Read below for more information about Osteoarthritis and receiving a life insurance quote from a life insurance specialist.
How Does Osteoarthritis Occur?
Osteoarthritis occurs primarily as a function of aging as joints break down from daily wear and tear. Between each joint is a shock absorbing substance called cartilage. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. It fills the gaps and reduces friction between bones.Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to become stiff and inflexible. Over time, repetitive use of the joint may cause the cartilage to flake off or wear away in some areas greatly decreasing its effectiveness as a cushion. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other causing inflammation, pain and grinding. The range of movement of the joint may become limited and its appearance may become knotty and swollen.
Obesity is the second major cause of osteoarthritis. Excess weight places additional stress on the mechanics of the joints and causes cartilage degeneration. Abnormally formed joints (congenital abnormalities) can cause poor joint mechanics lead which can lead to early degeneration and loss of cartilage. Crystal deposits in cartilage, formed by uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate, also destroy cartilage which can lead to osteoarthritis. Diabetes and growth hormone disorders that are caused by hormonal disturbances can also cause degeneration of joints that leads to the onset of osteoarthritis.
The Management of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be managed in its early stages with non-prescription, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to reduce swelling and improve range of motion.Irritated and inflamed joints usually benefit from weight loss and exercise programs, like walking or swimming, that strengthen the muscles that support affected joints. Injections, of steroids used to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid used to temporarily restore the thickness of the joint fluid, are non-surgical options for relieving symptoms in advanced stages of osteoarthritis. Joint replacement surgery is reserved for the most severely affected joints, usually hips and knees, which cause debilitation.
Osteoarthritis and Insurabilitys
ndividuals with osteoarthritis are rarely declined, however, insurers will want to know when the condition was diagnosed, what medications are being taken to control symptoms and how the condition has affected your ability to function and perform activities of daily living.When osteoarthritis is well-controlled, through use of medication, exercise and diet, obtaining insurance at a reasonable rate is possible.More severe cases of osteoarthritis, which force people to rely upon canes, walkers and wheelchairs, are insurable, but will more than likely receive a less favorable rating.
How Can MEG Financial Help?
At MEG Financial, we have worked with many individuals across the country that have had related histories and have helped many obtain fairly priced life insurance. A number of these clients previously attempted to buy life insurance elsewhere but were either turned down or asked to pay a significantly higher rate. Our experience helping others with related problems is invaluable to you in identifying the insurance company that will treat you most fairly.
For more specific information or to obtain a custom quote, call MEG Financial today at (877) 583-3955. You may also submit this short form and an independent insurance agent will personally contact you to go over any questions or other concerns.
