Lecture 12 - Inflammatory Arthritis Flashcards
How do we identify if it is arthritis or not?
Is it painful during both active and passive ROM. If yes, it means it is articular and likely arthritis
How can we identify if it is inflammatory or not?
Does stiffness last for more than 30 minutes in the morning?
Are systematic symptoms (weight loss, fever) present?
Are we seeing things like nodules, rashes etc?
IF yes to this question it is likely inflammatory
What are the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- fluctuating joint pain and swelling
- morning stiffness more than an hour that gets better with moving and heat
- systematic symptoms like weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue
- rheumatoid nodules
- started in one joint, than moved to others
- symmetrical
What are some risk factors of RA?
- previous infection
- genetic factors (specific genes may increase risk)
- smoking
sex hormones
What are the 3 goals of treatment?
- to prevent or control joint damage
- to preserve or prevent loss of function
- to decrease pain and swelling
What are the 3 non-pharmacological treatments?
- lifestyle adjustment
- physiotherapy and exercise
- occupational therapy
What is the role of non-pharmacological treatments?
- decrease joint pain and stiffness
- improve ability to carry out daily living activities
- enable better sleep and relaxation
- strengthen muscle and tendons to take stress of joints
- decrease likelihood of medical complications
- enable participation in ‘fun’ activities with family and friends
What exercises should people with RA do during the flare ups?
- static isometric exercises
- don’t exercise rigourously
What exercises should RA patients do during chronic stages?
resistance training + range of motion
What are some lifestyle adjustments that should be made?
- rest
- stop smoking
- reduce stress
- healthy eating
- education
What are some occupational therapies used for OA?
- heat
- paraffin (wax baths)
- cold
- TENS machine
What is the main goal of occupational therapy?
Joint protection
