The role of physiotherapy in the treatment of complications of hand joint rheumatoid arthritis – a case study

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease of the connective tissue and leads to dysfunction of the joints of the hand. Physiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of RA. Physiotherapy focusing on rehabilitation of patients with arthritis depends on the biomechanical and functional state resulting from the arthritic changes. The development of a physiotherapy program aims to restore the functioning of the joint before the onset of the disease.

Aims
Presentation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a patient in various stages of inflammatory changes of RA, over a 20-year period of progressive rheumatoid changes. Presentation of a model of physiotherapeutic improvement.

Case report
Case presentation of a 41-year-old patient over a 20-year period of RA, with particular emphasis on the progress of degeneration of the hand joints. The focus of this work was primarily on the observation of the effects of previous actions taken to improve the patient's functioning.

Summary
In the analyzed case, the progression of joint degeneration occurred without significant disturbances in basic laboratory tests of inflammatory markers. The use of all available therapy and treatment methods gives a better chance of maintaining the highest possible levels of independence and limiting the occurrence of serious dysfunctions. It also allows to objectively assess what actions should be taken in terms of effectiveness for patients with RA