What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder with a progressive and chronic nature that affects joints, tendons, and ligaments. It is an autoimmune disorder and occurs when the immune system starts attacking the patient’s own connective tissues. It affects the lining if the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and painful and resulting in the loss of mobility, muscle weakness, tendon and ligamentous rupture and deformity of joints and the erosion of bones. The inflammation in the joints also affects surrounding tissues.
The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Swollen, warm and tender joints
- Constant pain
- Stiffness in the joints which is worse after periods of inactivity and in the mornings
- Weight loss, fever, and fatigue
Common joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis are fingers, wrist, elbows, ankles, and shoulders. It can also affect hips, knees and spinal joints. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause the joints to shift out of place or deform. Luckily, the advancements in pharmaceutical resulted in the early management of RA reducing the number of patients suffering from severe deformities.
The role of a physiotherapist in rheumatoid arthritis is very important. Physiotherapists maintain mobility by teaching patients exercises that will keep the affected joints flexible. In addition, improving function and return to daily activities and return to work.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments
- Acupuncture
- Medications such as steroids, NSAIDs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Tendon repair
- Synovectomy
- Joint fusion
- Total joint replacement
Physiotherapists Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
At Physiomobility, we have a team of qualified professionals who offer specialized treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, such as arthritis, or you have experienced a sports injury, or suffer from dizziness and vertigo our experienced physiotherapists will provide you personalized treatment, offering you relief from pain and discomfort and enabling you to get back to your usual activities quickly.
