Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Occupational Therapy

 hat is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?


Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic inflammation of the joint lining. It is frequently referred to as an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks a person's own body. It affects over 1 million Americans and is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. Over 75 percent of all RA patients are female. This condition affects children, young adults, but most frequently begins in the middle age with people from all nationalities.


What causes RA?


The exact causes are unknown, but research suggests that there are genetic and environmental factors such as infections that play a major role in the development of condition.


What are the symptoms?


RA is a chronic disease and many individuals develop symptoms gradually, however many people experience a sudden onset of symptoms. Individuals will experience periods of decreased activities and remission when symptoms fade. It is important to note that there are individual differences among people with RA.


Here is a list of symptoms that are most commonly associated with RA. If you experience some of these 8 common symptoms it is important to make an appointment to speak with your physician:


Morning stiffness and pain in your joints that lasts more than 1 hour

Stiffness can also occur after a long rest

Fatigue and loss of energy

Joint inflammation, including swelling and warmth around the affected joints

Symmetrical joint inflammation (both sides of the body)

Low grade fever and flu symptoms

Difficulty moving the affected joints

Joint deformity and nodules/lumps under the skin (elbows, hands) are most often affected.

What can you do to feel better?


If stiff or painful joints, and joint deformities prevent you for carrying out your daily activities you may be a good candidate for occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OTR) is a medical professional who is trained to help you perform activities and duties such as: work tasks, home tasks, leisure and recreational tasks.


For example, if you are an office worker who is having difficulty working on a computer since your diagnosis, the occupational therapist will be able to assist you in finding adaptive ways to perform your job.


An occupational therapist can help you maximize independence and analyze where you are stressing your joints unnecessarily and show you a better way to accomplish the tasks. Here are some specific services an occupational therapist may provide for individuals:


Help design a program of exercises to maximize flexibility and strength

Design custom hand splints for rest and support

Provide a customized therapy program following hand surgery for arthritis

Evaluate your home or workplace and make specific recommendations

Design a work simplification and energy conservation program in all areas of your life.

Design strategies to help reduce pain, reduce stress on the joints, and ultimately prevent further deformity




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