Rheumatoid arthritis in an autoimmune disease which causes chronic inflammation and swelling in the joints, and overall fatigue 53. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common connective tissue disorder, effecting up to 1-3 % of the population 5. While the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not clear, it seems that there may be a genetic influence on the disease 5.
The first stages of the disease consist of pain and inflammation in the joints with no damage or deformity 5. If the disease continues without successful treatment, pain and swelling will spread to other joints and gradual, irreversible tissue damage will occur 5. Several deformities of the hand occur when the tendons in the hand become damaged or displaced. Some of the typical deformities seen in the hand in the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis include:
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ulnar deviation of the fingers |
z deformity of the thumb |
swan neck |
boutonniere deformities |
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Rheumatoid arthritis is not a disease caused by hypokinesis (lack of movement). However, joint pain and fatigue often cause those with the disease to reduce their level of activity. Disability attributable to rheumatoid arthritis prevented 50 percent of individuals studied in 2006 from performing one valued activity of daily livin 29. Complications of rheumatoid arthritis include 5.
- Joint failure causing physical disability
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Higher risk of infection
- Amyloidosis (Protein deposits on tissues and organs)
- Complication during surgery
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