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What Can Be Done To Prevent Hand Deformity In Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Question: What Can Be Done To Prevent Hand Deformity In Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can result in hand deformity, joint problems, and damage including:

  • rheumatoid nodules
  • swelling
  • joint stiffness
  • ulnar drift / ulnar deviation
  • contractures
  • wrist subluxation
  • other hand, finger, thumb, and wrist problems
  • What, if anything, can be done to arrest the progression of hand deformity in early, active rheumatoid arthritis?

    Answer:

    Hand Deformity / Other Deformities

    One thing is certain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eventually the small peripheral joints of the hands and the wrists will become involved, leading to contractures and deformities.

  • Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
  • Is Hand Deformity An Inevitable Consequence Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand (Illustration)
  • Hand Deformity Prevention

    The most effective prevention for hand deformity is early and aggressive treatment. In combination, drug therapy and occupational therapy, can be extremely beneficial to the rheumatoid arthritis patient.

  • What Is Early, Aggressive Arthritis Treatment For Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?
  • 8 Best Things To Do For Arthritis
  • 10 Common Arthritis Mistakes
  • Joint Protection / Exercise

    Early in the disease, rheumatoid arthritis patients should be taught joint protection. An occupational therapist can teach rheumatoid arthritis patients how to respect pain by exercising and engaging in activities only up to the point of pain.

    In addition, rheumatoid arthritis patients are given exercises to maintain muscle strength, and to stabilize and increase range of motion of involved joints. Prior to exercising, rheumatoid arthritis patients can benefit from home paraffin wax bath treatments.

  • Arthritis & Exercise Quiz
  • Exercise: Essential Treatment For Arthritis
  • How To Exercise When You Have Arthritis
  • How To Protect Your Joints
  • Better Daily Living & Activities

    Finally depending on the nature and extent of hand deformity, custom dynamic splinting can be fabricated to improve activities of daily living. All rheumatoid arthritis patients can benefit from rheumatologic rehabilitation.

    Related Resources - Hand Deformity - Joint Protection

  • Hand Pain / Hand Problems
  • Finger Pain / Finger Problems
  • Thumb Pain / Thumb Problems
  • Wrist Pain / Wrist Problems
  • Joint Protection
  • Arthritis Aids (Protective / Adaptive Equipment)
  • Related Resources - Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Test Your Knowledge
  • Subscribe to: The Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide: Free E-Course Newsletter
  • (Answer provided by the late Dr. Raymond Federman, aka Dr. Bones, who passed away on September 2, 2003. The care of his patients even in retirement was always his joy.)

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