Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting the lining of the joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
RA typically starts in the smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes, and can progress to larger joints like wrists, knees, ankles, and elbows.
Symptoms include persistent joint pain, tenderness, joint stiffness and swelling and if left untreated, RA can lead to joint damage and deformities, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life.
Modern treatments, particularly disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for RA manage symptoms remarkably well for many patients. However, hand therapy is often incorporated into the management plan to assist with pain relief, enhance functional activities, and manage any joint deformities.
