Patient/caregiver was educated on the role of exercise in rheumatoid arthritis as follows: Exercise helps to reduce pain & tenderness in the joint, which results in improved participation in the exercise schedule. Exercise helps to improve strength & stability in the inflamed joint. This results in improved balance and coordination. Improved strength and balance helps improve posture, which contributes to reducing stress on the inflamed joint. Increased stability and improved balance in the inflamed joint [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis as follows: Compliance with exercise Exercise helps to reduce pain & tenderness, improve strength & stability in the joint. Do not over do on the exercise recommended to a point that it leads to exacerbation of pain due to overuse of the joint involved. Check with your physician or therapist regarding recommendations for exercise to your inflamed joint. Observe compliance [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis as follows: Control of pain and inflammation Observe compliance with intake of pain medications, as prescribed. Individuals could be prescribed a wide range of pain medications, depending on the intensity of pain and severity of symptoms. In the initial stages of arthritis, individuals could be prescribed over-the-counter pain killers, such as, Tylenol. As the condition progresses and worsens, individuals could [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved rheumatoid arthritis as follows: Bone death and infection Chronic inflammatory activity in the joint with swelling can compromise blood supply to the joint. Blood supply to any tissue is important for nutrient and oxygen supply. Reduced blood supply to the joint can lead to compromised nutrient and oxygen supply to the bone ends involved. Over a period of time, compromised nutrient and oxygen supply can result in [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved rheumatoid arthritis as follows: Compromised independence on ADL/IADL performance The pain and tenderness with limitation of range of motion in the joints involved can lead to reduced ability and independence on ADL/IADL performance. This can contribute to overall compromised activity and caregiver dependent states. Increased risk for clot formation Reduced activity of the individual with limited ROM of the involved joints, especially of lower extremities, lead to [...]