Last month we discussed osteoarthritis (OA) and its effects on the body. In contrast, this month we’ll discuss rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects the body differently.Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the tissues that line the ends of bones, resulting in serious inflammation and pain. Another defining characteristic of RA is that it is a body-wide disease versus osteoarthritis, which often affects only one joint.RA frequently affects hands, wrists, elbows, knees and feet. Joints get red and swollen, and patients frequently complain of morning stiffness that lasts for hours. RA can and does affect children.Your doctor or nurse practitioner can diagnose either condition based on several tests, including X-rays, blood tests for signs of inflammation, as well as testing for the level of rheumatoid factor in the blood. A joint-fluid sample can also aide in proper diagnosis. Diagnosis is often missed in children. However, if treated early, kids can do very well.Treatment can and should include a variety of treatments. One of the most common treatments is hot or cold treatment, but an RA patient should exercise caution. Cold decreases inflammation and heat loosens up stiff joints, but heat can also increase inflammation. Heat should NEVER be applied to a swollen joint. If your joints are swollen, use ICE.Medication can also be beneficial in treating RA. Anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections (cortisone) or pills (prednisone) can dramatically improve the symptoms of RA. Other types of drug therapy available to people with RA include mild immunosuppressant medication as well as drugs that inhibit inflammatory immune system proteins (Enbrel or Remicade).Exercise also is a vital part of symptom management for both RA and OA. Exercise should be part of your daily routine for strengthening and flexibility as well as for weight management. Caution should be exercised when beginning an exercise routine. Consult a physical therapist or your physician prior to starting any exercise routine. A variety of activities can decreased symptoms, but overdoing or doing the wrong activities can exacerbate symptoms.When first starting an exercise routine, an important distinction should be made regarding pain. If the muscles are sore and the pain fades in 24 to 48 hours, you most like are experiencing muscle soreness. However, if the joint hurts, is swollen and/or warm to the touch, staying warm for a long time, the pain is most likely linked to arthritis.Exercise routines should be monitored based on symptoms, but also based on function. Because symptoms of RA vary depending on the day, exercise may need to be modified depending on the severity of symptoms on a given day. Use extreme caution when exercising if you are experiencing an acute flare-up.Physical therapists and/or occupational therapists can help determine what exercises and what level of intensity is right for you. They can also instruct you in joint conservation, which will help you adjust your daily activities to decrease the amount of stress on your joints, which can, in turn, decrease your pain.Call Falcon Physical Therapy at 719-495-3133 with any questions or concerns regarding osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.For more information, visit www.arthritis.org.
