Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is RA?
Systemic autoimmune disorder of connective tissue.
Characterized by chronic inflammation of:
- synovial membranes
- tendon sheaths
- articular cartilage
What joints are generally affected first?
Small Peripheral Joints
Etiology of RA?
Exact etiology unknown.
- 80% of individuals have a positive rheumatoid factor present
Are men or women more affected?
Women
Age range of diagnosis?
30 - 50 y/o (40s)
Clinical Presentation?
- Fatigue, Low-grade fever
- bilateral involvement
- tenderness of small joints
- Hand Deformities
Laboratory and imaging studies to confirm diagnosis?
- Evaluation of Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Values
- White blood cell count
Pharmacological Management of the Disease?
NSAIDS and Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and retard the progression of the disease
During the acute stage what are recommendations/education for PT?
- Patient education; rest, pain relief, positioning
- Splinting
- Energy Conservation
Treatment options during the acute phase?
- Heat (superficial) or cold modalities
- Paraffin
- Gentle Isometrics
- Gentle Massage
- Grade I or II, mobilizations for pain relief
What to avoid during the acute phase?
- Resistive exercises
- Deep heating modalities
- ANY form of active stretching
Are we able to stretch patients in the chronic stage, what is contraindicated?
Gentle stretching is indicated, Aggressive stretching is contraindicated.
Systemic effects secondary to RA?
- Cardiopulmonary effects
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
What drug is a disease modifying antirheumatic drug?
Methotrexate
Characteristics of Morning Stiffness?
Lasting at least 1 hour
