Rheumatoid Arthritis
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We at Alleviate Physiotherapy are dedicated to providing the best-in-class care for all our clients with the help of our team of expert therapists. Specifically for wrist and hand pain, conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis are quite common.Â
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?Â
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation and damage. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.
RA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. In some cases, RA can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.
RA is a progressive disease, which means that it can worsen over time if left untreated. While there is no cure for RA, there are a variety of treatment options available, and physiotherapy is the top treatment as it improves the quality of life of all patients undergoing the pain from this condition. With proper treatment, many people with RA are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Â
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include the following. All these symptoms can be treated or improved with physiotherapy and it is important to consult a physiotherapist near you.Â
Joint pain and stiffness: RA usually affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, but it can also affect larger joints such as the knees, shoulders, and hips. The pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Joint swelling and tenderness: The affected joints may become swollen, warm to the touch, and tender to the touch.
Fatigue: Many people with RA experience a general feeling of fatigue or exhaustion, often due to the body's ongoing inflammation.
Loss of mobility: As the disease progresses, joint damage and inflammation can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, and holding objects.
Fever: Some people with RA may experience a low-grade fever.
Nodules: RA can cause small lumps or nodules to form under the skin near the affected joints.
It's important to note that the symptoms of RA can come and go, and may vary in intensity over time. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How can Physiotherapy help in Rheumatoid Arthritis?Â
Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) because it helps to manage/alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life. Here are some of the ways a physiotherapist can help treat the problem:
Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques such as massage, MFR, Active release therapy, Mobilization with movement to help reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
Braces: A physiotherapist who has an advanced understanding of the body mechanics will provide education and training on the use of assistive devices such as crutches, and custom orthotics or brace to help reduce the stress on affected joints.
Pain management: A physiotherapist can provide education on various pain management techniques that boost nerve stimulation and aid the healing process- don't forget to watch - Pain Education video- tamethebeast
Patient education: A physiotherapist will provide you with advanced knowledge on how to manage your symptoms, avoid aggravating activities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Treatments for RA vary depending on the individual and the severity of the disease. At Alleviate Physiotherapy, we work with the clients to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their needs and improves their overall quality of life.Â
Our goal is to help clients relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent a re-injury. We believe in personalized treatment plans that take into account our client’s specific needs and goals for them to lead a pain free life, with better mobility.
Pain in the hand or wrist bothering you? Read more about Hand and Wrist Physiotherapy or check out our Team Alleviate for client testimonials.
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