RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS-NON PHARMACOLOGIC MGM

SUMMARY

1. In acute disease with severely inflamed joints, splinting is used to produce immobilization with twice-daily full and slow passive ROM exercises to prevent soft-tissue contractures.

2. Isometric exercise: causes the least amount of periarticular bone destruction and joint inflammation/pain, especially during an acute flare.

3. Heat therapy, cryotherapy, paraffin & fluid therapy.

4. Orthotics.

5. Patient education, psychological interventions.

6. Screen for & manage CV diseases and OP.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].