Arthritis

Question 1

What is an OT’s goals when working with arthritis?

Answer 1

• Prevent further deformities
• Minimise further destruction of joint surfaces
• Minimise pain and inflammation
• Maintain occupational roles
• Maintain strength and ROM

Question 2

What type of interventions can an OT use in arthritis care?

Answer 2

• Education for the patient and their family (heat, wearing splint etc)
• Energy conservation: pacing, assistive devices, planning etc
• Joint protection: Using joints in a stable plane, avoid positions of deformity, use larger joints etc

Question 3

Resting or safe position splint for arthritis?

Answer 3

Resting

Putting the hand in a ‘safe’ position splint will put the already compromised joint structures on further stretch

Question 4

What are the angles of a resting position splint?

Answer 4

Wrist: 10-20 ext
Finger MCP: 20-30 flex
Finger PIP: 0-20 flex
Finger DIP: 5 flex
Thumb CMC: ext & abducted
Thumb MCP & IP: flex

Question 5

What is the purpose of splinting for arthritis?

Answer 5

• Reduce inflammation by resting involved joints
• Provide pain relief through support and stability
• Maintaining correct alignment of joints
• Prevent further deformity
• Improve hand function

Question 6

Describe rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 6

• Most common form of arthritis
• Chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease
• Involves destruction of tissues around the joints
• Results in swan neck, boutonnière, ulnar drift and zigzag

Question 7

What are the three types of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 7

1. Self-limited polyarthritis - resolves without any long-term issues
2. Long-term persistent disease - minimal functional impact
3. Progressive long-term disease - progression of deformities and gradual decline in function