Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also can cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints. The illnesses that occur are when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system. It also can affect other organs of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is referred as a systemic illness and sometimes we called it rheumatoid disease. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, which mean it can last for years and patients may experience long periods without symptoms. However, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness which has a potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease which three times more common in women as in men. It affects people of all races equally. The disease can begin at any age, but often starts after age 40 and before 60. In some families, multiple members can be affected, suggesting a genetic basis for the disorder.
The difference between normal, healthy joints and arthritic joints
A joint is where two bones meet to allow movement of body parts. Arthritis means joint inflammation. The joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis causes:
-Swelling
-Pain
-Stiffness
-Redness in the joints.
The inflammation of rheumatoid disease also can occur in tissues around the joints:
-Tendons
-Ligaments
-Muscles.
In some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of:
-Cartilage
-Bone
-Ligaments
It causes deformity of the joints. Damage to the joints can occur early in the disease and progress as the individual ages.
-The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
-Fatigue
-Lack of appetite
-Low-grade fever
-Muscle
-Joint aches
-Stiffness.
Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The lining tissue of joint also thickens with inflammation (synovitis). In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually inflamed in both sides of the body. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars can become difficult during. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, cartilage, and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is no specific treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis. However, physiotherapists work to reduce inflammation and pain, maintain joint ranges of motion (ROM) and maintain and increase muscle strength. Physiotherapy also do an assessment of a rheumatoid patient starts with observing the persons gait and observing any joint deformities and movement difficulties. Deformities badly can affect function and mean the person is unable to manage normal daily tasks. Physio treatment includes splinting, ice, analgesia, joint protection, rest and joint movements to keep the functions of the joints as the condition eases. A multidisciplinary plan is necessary for successful RA management due to the complexity of the condition.
