Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's own immune system (the body’s natural self-defence system) gets confused and mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissue.This causes inflammation, pain, and swelling of joints. Persistent inflammation over time can damage affected joints.

This inflammation can come and go, known as flare ups or remissions and can cause significant joint deformity. The sooner you start the appropriate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, the more effective it is likely to be. It can affect anyone of any age, more frequently it develops in middle age, in females.

What are the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person depending at what stage of life the disease starts. The main symptoms are:

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

A Doctor that specialises in rheumatoid arthritis will be able to give a diagnosis with a combination of a blood test and considering any symptoms. It is vital to start treatment as early as possible to minimise permanent joint damage.

What are the treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?

Medications

There are a range of different types of medication, and selecting the right medication will depend on a number of factors including how long you have had it for, if you have a flare up and what symptoms you are showing. The most common forms of medications are;

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can advise a range of safe exercises that will help reduce symptoms, prevent muscle wastage and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists can help provide aids and adaptations for the home and work. Adapted pens and cutlery can be helpful for those suffering with inflammation or deformity to the fingers and thumbs. They can also advise ways to alter some of your lifestyle choices to minimise the stress put on joints.

Surgery

There are occasions when the damage to a joint requires surgical intervention. This is normally when the joint damage is so severe that it has a significant impact on an individuals quality of life. Any form of surgery comes with risk of infection and bleeding so the pros and cons of surgery should be carefully considered before going ahead. The most common surgical procedures are:

General well being

Eating the right foods, not smoking and keeping a healthy body weight can all help reduce the impact that rheumatoid arthritis has on the body. Support networks and groups can really help an individual to understand the disease. Taking advice from individuals who may find themselves in a similar situation, or have already been through a similar situation, can often be a very positive experience.

How can Liverpool Orthotics help with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of custom made and ‘off the shelf’ products that can help to support, assist and restrict joint movement.

Splints

Liverpool Orthotics provide a comprehensive range of splints to offer support and stability to a joint during a flare up to reduce destruction caused by inflammation. Splints can also be helpful to support joints that may have developed deformity.

Neck braces - Neck braces offer support, stability to the joints in the nack to help reduce pain. Movements. Neck braces may only be worn for certain activities that may increase the pain, such as long periods of reading or driving .

Back brace - Back bracing can often be worn for certain activities, such as gardening or to help reduce pain during a flare up.

Hip bracing - Hip bracing is most commonly used to reduce movement during a flare up or post operatively.

Knee support - Knee supports provide support the joint and to aid better levels of mobility and prevent falls.

Ankle splints (AFO) - Ankle splints, also known as AFO’s can enable individuals to continue with normal life by offering support and stability to enable pain free mobilisation.

Wrist bracing - There are 27 joints in the wrist alone, so supporting the wrist during a flare up can be crucial in reducing joint damage and eleaviating pain.

Thumb bracing - Thumb bracing often provides stability and support to reduce painful movements to joints.

Resting Splints

Resting splints can fit on any joint and are normally worn at night to hold the affected joint in a position of best alignment or comfort. They can also be used to stretch tight muscles.

Insoles

Insoles are an effective treatment option for a number of issues that can be caused as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle pain, arch pain, heavy callus, poor balance and prominent bones under the foot can also be relieved with the help of an insole. Liverpool Orthotics can provide custom orthotics to help provide precise and effective pain relief. Insole support can also help prevent long term secondary deformities caused by the disease.

Footwear

Liverpool Orthotics provide a wide range of stylish orthopedic footwear that can be made to measure to fit any foot deformities and accommodate any custom made insoles.

Rocker soles

Rocker soles are a type of footwear adaptation which is fitted within the sole unit of a shoe or boot. A rocker sole encourages the footwear to roll forward when walking rather than the footwear flexing at the toes. This can be effective in reducing stress under the balls of the feet and in the toe joints.

Shoe adaptations

Additional flares and adaptations to footwear can improve balance and prevent footwear wearing down quickly.

Calipers

Calipers are an effective way to support joints that may also be affected by swelling or poor skin condition. Calipers can also be used to help correct and support joints that have developed significant deformity.

To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk