Rheumatoid Arthritis Essay -- essays research papers

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that is characterized by inflammation of the fringy joints, but it may likewise involve the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. The prevalence of this autoimmune infirmity is in the midst of 0.3% to 1.5% of the population in the United States (Feinberg, pp 815). It affects women two to ternary times to a greater extent often than men, and the onset of RA is usually between 25 and 50 years of age, but it can occur at any age (Reed, pp 584). RA can be diagnosed by establishing the straw man of persistent joint pain, ostentation in a symmetric distribution, and extensive morning stiffness. RA usually affects multiple joints, such as the hands, wrists, knees, elbows, feet, shoulders, hips, and microscopical hand joints. RA is usually characterized by the inflammation of the synovium, which lines the joints and tendon sheaths of the body.The aetiology of this disease is unknown. There are multiple factors involved in this disease, i ncluding autoimmune reactions and environmental factors. There is also a genetic predisposition that has been set that can be related to the cause of RA. Rheumatoid arthritis develops as a result of an interaction of numerous factors. Much research is going on now to understand these factors and how they work together. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of several autoimmune diseases because a persons immune system attacks his or her own body tissues (Gordon, pp 16). A feature of rheumatoid arthritis is that it varies a lot from person to person. For some people, it lasts only a few months or a year or two and goes away without causing any noticeable damage. Other people sport mild or moderate disease, with periods of worsening symptoms, called flares, and periods in which they feel better, called remissions. even-tempered differents have severe disease that is active most of the time, lasts for many years, and leads to weighty joint damage and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis occur s in all races and ethnic groups. Although the disease often begins in middle age and occurs with increased frequency in older people, children and young adults also develop it.In 1987, the American rheumatoid arthritis Association developed seven criteria to define RA. First, morning stiffness in and around joints lasting at least one hour originally improvement. Second, there is arthritis of three or more joint areas. Third, there is swelling of at least one ... ...persons tension can be released in more positive ways rather in a defamatory manner towards himself/herself or towards former(a)s. The OT may also promote the person to insert in more social activities to get him or her to feel more competent and increase ones self-esteem.Persons with arthritis often do not comply with preaching and management routines, so the Occupational therapist may need to tin him or her with good learning or teaching techniques. The OT must also share with the patient the expectations about discourse and management, encourage personal indebtedness for his or her care, and maintain a relaxed environment to encourage communication with other professionals and loved ones. The OT must also be cautious of any other health concerns that may arise due to the progression of the illness or even side effects from the medications. There are so many affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis and it is a growing illness that has been seen crossways the United States. In the future of medicine, more and more research entrust be done to find the cure to this illness, but for now, such treatment like Occupational therapy will further advance the lives of those living with RA.