Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of connective tissue that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint function, and sometimes affects other non-joint structure. In addition to these physical problems, often accompanied by fatigue, frustration, depression and fear of people with the disease. This complex issue requires teamwork of many medical experts and psychologists and social workers. In this essay will introduce the issue of rheumatoid arthritis with emphasis on physiotherapy intervention.

According to epidemiological data, the disease affects approximately 1% of the population, with the proviso that this disorder is more common in women and up to 4 times higher than in males. The disease usually begins in the fourth or 5 decade of life. Some family studies have indicated a genetic predisposition to the disease.

The cause of the disease

For now, it still does not know with certainty what might be the direct cause of the disease. There are several hypotheses. One of them says that it is a response to an infectious agent in the body, which consequently leads to damage of the organism. Other theories cite an autoimmune mechanism. Either way, the real cause of the disease has not yet been discovered.

Diagnosis

Every diagnosis begins with history, or from conversations with the patient. The patient may present data on the same or similar illness in the family, as well as information about the abovementioned general symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, weakness, etc. It should definitely ask for information about morning stiffness.

The physical search is mainly focused on joint examination, the existence of deformation, failure to function, the existence derformiteta.

Important role in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with laboratory tests, which can be divided into three different groups.
Laboratory tests for inflammatory activity: a standard measure erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which in case of inflammation increased. Additionally may be required and the concentration of C reactive protein.

- Hematologic tests - In blood we are anemia, specifically norocitne normokromne anemia. The level of serum iron is low.
- Immunological tests - Search the presence of rheumatoid factor in serum. This is done so. Roseovim-Waaler test. The test results are read through the different serum dilutions. Thus, the normal titer 1:32, and 1:64 and more morbid. However, it should be noted that the finding of rheumatoid factor in serum has absolutely safe diagnostic significance, because it can be found in and under certain other diseases. Therefore, laboratory findings, as is the rule in medicine, should be considered in the context of the overall findings and impressions about the symptoms of the disease, but in the context of general health status.

Disease course and prognosis

The disease has a progressive course in spite of periods of remission (improvement). Periods of relieving symptoms are often accompanied by deterioration. Such phases often alternate.

Prognosis is unfavorable. This is not about a quick death. An unfavorable outcome is mainly related to loss of opportunities to do everyday activities. About 50% of patients, despite proper treatment station within 10 years unable to work.

You may be interested in reading Natural Remedies for Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you want read more Arthritis Pain

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