Therapists may also instruct the patient on joint protection and energy conservation techniques that can ease stress on the joints. Adaptive equipment such as built up or oversized grips on brushes, toothbrushes, etc. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that causes destruction of joint tissues. This type of arthritis will have periods of flare-up and remission, and may result in severe deformity and disability. The condition affects approximately one percent to two percent of adults in their third to fourth generation of life.
Females are more affected than males.
Most frequently affected joints are in wrists, knees, fingers, hands, and feet. Therapy goals for Rheumatoid arthritis include decreasing pain, stiffness and swelling, maintaining mobility, and avoiding joint stresses, which cause destruction. Treatment may include ice, heat, massage, splinting, gentle exercises, and patient education on energy conservation and joint protection. Individuals with this condition may also benefit from adaptive equipment to avoid joint stress. Individuals with arthritis should learn to identify activities that cause their pain to increase and avoid those tasks if possible.