Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, destructive and deforming arthropathy, characterized by symmetrical erosive synovitis and multisystemic injury. Despite the progresses of pharmacological therapy for RA, many patients continue to have active disease with the risk of developing disability. A number of non-pharmacological therapies are used in addition to the regular treatment of RA. On October 7th, 2008, American Physical Activity guidelines were released, based on the latest physical activity techniques, with impact on the health of people with arthritis, grouped under the acronym SMART. A comprehensive management program for RA includes patient education, psycho-social interventions, adequate rest, exercise, physical and occupational therapy, nutritional and dietetics counseling, interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and immunizations to reduce the risk of complications from immunosuppressive treatment. The objectives of this program are: disease stabilization, preventing deviations, deformities and ankylosis, combating retractions and stiffness, partial or complete restoration of motor functional capacity of patients. For achieving these goals, the treatment must adhere to the following general conditions: to be initiated early, to be continuous and complex. In conclusion, education and counseling of the patient are important for the management of RA. The physicians should explain to the patient all the treatment options and develop with him a longitudinal treatment plan, which includes the association of the pharmacological therapy with the non-pharmacological one.
Highlights
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, destructive and deforming arthropathy, frequently with systemic manifestations
A meta-analysis that included 1579 patients has shown that patient education and cognitive behavioral therapy can lead to a slight improvement of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms [1]
A study which compared low-frequency acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to conventional high-frequency TENS on patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis found no statistically significant difference in patient assesment of overall disease improvement, but clinically important benefits in patients treated with high-frequency TENS have been noted. [11]
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, destructive and deforming arthropathy, frequently with systemic manifestations. Physical activity has been shown to relieve pain, maintain the function of affected joints and improve the general well-being of patients with RA. Regular moderate intensity activity diminishes pain, improves functional status of joints, without worsening the symptoms of the disease.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
