Overview:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that primarily involves the synovial membranes of joints. This disease progresses over time, and eventually other organs are affected as well. Rheumatoid arthritis is three times more common in females versus males and is prevalent in approximately 1% of the US population. The age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis is generally 25-50 years of age, but generally peaks in the fourth to fifth decade of life.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The American Rheumatism Association has established criteria to be met in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Four of the following must be present with 1-4 present a minimum of 6 weeks to ensure a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Morning stiffness lasting greater than one hour
Arthritis involving 3 or more of the following joints - PIP, MCP, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, and MTP joints
Symmetric involvement of joints
Positive serum rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid nodules
Radiographic evidence of RA
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:
Joint swelling and pain
Joint stiffness after periods of rest
Decreased range of motion in affected joints
Fatigue
Low grade fevers
Joint deformity
Extra-articular Involvement of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
As rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition, other organ systems can be affected by this disorder. These include the following:
Lungs: Pleuritis, Pulmonary Nodules, Interstitial Fibrosis
Heart: Pericarditis, Carditis
Skin: Subcutaneous nodules
Eyes: Scleritis, Episcleritis
Blood Vessles: Vasculitis
Liver: Hepatitis
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid Arthritis can be managed in several ways. Most treatment regimens involve medications; however physical therapy to loosen joint stiffness and decrease pain is a beneficial adjunctive therapy.
