Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 1

Chronic autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints

Question 2

What is the cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 2

• The immune system attacks the synovial membrane, turning it into disorganised lymphoid tissue
• Erosion of bones and cartilage
• Overstretch tendons and ligaments, weakening them

Question 3

What are risk factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 3

• Family history: genetics may make one susceptible to environmental factors
• Women likely to develop RA
• Most commonly occurs at 60yrs+
• Smoking
• Environmental exposures
• Obesity

Question 4

What are signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 4

• Feel pain/stiffness in joints
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Decrease mobility
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness

Question 5

What is the management of medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 5

• Goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, improve physical function, prevent joint and organ damage
• Drugs used include Corticosteroids/anti-inflammatory drugs

Question 6

What is treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 6

• Arthroplasty: procedure restores function

- Arthroscopy: remove damaged and inflamed tissue

Question 7

What are precautions and contraindications for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 7

• Joint protection critical avoid excessive stress on joints
• Larger joints in body to carry certain items
• Avoid pinching or gripping motions
• Joints hot & inflamed, avoid resistive exercises

Question 8

What is the impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on ones Occupational Performance?

Answer 8

• Experience a loss in physical capacities in comparison to those without the condition.
• Pain, fatigue, stiffness, decreased muscle strength; causing difficulties with daily activities such as grooming, dressing, cooking a meal, cleaning, shopping, work and leisure
• Maintain individuals ability to engage in preferred occupation

Question 9

What is the role of the OT with managing Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 9

• Focuses on facilitating individuals with performing their daily living activities and assists to overcome barrier by maintain or improve the ability to compensate for decreased occupational performance
• Important interventions in OT are training of skills, education of joint protection skills, advising assistive devices and provision of splints
• Advise and instruct the use of assistive devices, training of self-care tasks and use splint interventions