RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT AND PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systematic inflammatory disease which is characterised by pain and functional loss in an individual with bilateral involvement of hands, resulting in loss of joint integrity and bony deformities. Quality of life is an amorphous concept, which has a usage across many disciplines- geography, health economics, health promotion and medical and social sciences. The main perspective of this review of study health related QOL is to assess the extent of factors affecting quality of life especially in terms of physical, social, emotional, cognitive as well as work related situations, therapy induced side effects and even the financial impact of medical condition also. In view of mixed results and observations from various studies, it is worthwhile to plan a study to evaluate the hand function and Quality of life and changes in Quality of life with hand function on disease activity in Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Such population may need a different approach to symptom control and may require greater emphasis on exercises and life style improvement manoeuvres.