Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis differs to osteoarthritis in that it is an autoimmune disease. In patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks it’s own healthy cells, causing inflammation around a joint. This inflammation, if not controlled, can ultimately lead to deterioration of the cartilage in a joint and bone erosion. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints in various areas of the body at once.

SYMPTOMS:

• Pain and swelling in a joint
• Redness
• Stiffness to bend joints
• An onset of deformity as the joint position changes
• Loss of movement

TREATMENT:

As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, medication is needed to control and correct the body’s immune response. This is usually done under a Rheumatologist. Hand therapy can help to maintain movement, function and minimise deformity of the joints.

THERAPY:

• Modalities for pain relief
• Swelling management
• Exercise program to maintain mobility
• Splinting to maintain posture and minimise deformity
• Activity modification and joint protection strategies
• Provision of assistive equipment and adaptive aids