Rheumatoid Arthritis

To put it simply, we can describe Rheumatoid arthritis as a condition which leaves the joints inflamed and can affect body organs as well.Autoimmune (self immunity) system of the body plays a role in the onset of this disease.Any age group can get this disease but middle aged women are more prone .Certain tests and examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis, this includes Rheumatoid factor and C-reactive  protein testing.Most common symptoms of RA include bilateral (both sides of body) joint pain, morning stiffness of joints and fatigue.Physiotherapy can play a major role in maintenance of joint strength and structure.Regular exercise (under guidance of a physiotherapist) along with thermal/cold modalities help in reducing inflammation and pain.If regular exercises are not followed,advanced stages of the disease may see deformation of joints.In addition to joint related exercises, cardiovascular fitness and endurance need to be emphasized upon.Regular physical assessments by a physiotherapist help to track the physical aspects of this disease.Rheumatoid Arthritis should be thus understood as a complex condition which associates with multiple body systems.The medical approach is mostly multi disciplinary,physiotherapy is one of those.