Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 1

A chronic systemic inflammatory disease, results in gradual destruction of joint tissues, affects joints (wrists, fingers, knees, ankles, and feet are most commonly affected)

Question 2

Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 2

Women are 3x more likely, 2nd most prevalent form of arthritis, onset at any age (30-60 years)

Question 3

Risk factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 3

cause is unknown, Hormones, infection, genetics, and environment

Question 4

Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 4

Little is known about cause, joint inflammation is due to presence of immune cells into synovial fluid

Question 5

Pannus

Answer 5

attacks at joint margins of limited hyaline cartilage and synovial lining. Destroys collagen, cartilage & subchondral bone

Question 6

Clinical manifestations for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 6

Begins slowly (cartilage degradation, ligamentous laxity, synovial effusion, & erosion. early dectection and medical management is essential

Question 7

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 7

Fatigue, weight loss, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, reconditioning & depression

Question 8

Joint impairments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 8

starts with Instability, deformity, and laxity. Morning stiffness for more than 1 hour, loss of ROM and function

Question 9

Extra articular manifestations

Answer 9

Soft tissue - synovitis, bursitis, tendonitis, fasciitis, neuritis, & vasculitis

Question 10

implications for physical therapy

Answer 10

reduce pain, maintain mobility, minimize stiffness, & edema, prevent joint destruction. Also education, joint protection, and therapeutic exercise

Question 11

Prognosis

Answer 11

No known cure, risk of mortality with untreated myelopathy and it is higher in those with extraarticular manifestations.