Patient Education

• Ask your doctor about the nature of the disease, risks of joint damage & loss of function
• Ask your doctor about existing treatment modalities

• Helps increase muscle strength, improve muscle function & joint stability, increase aerobic capacity & physical performance
• Can improve the overall pain control & quality of life w/o increase in disease activity
• Range of motion exercises help restore or preserve joint motion

• Aimed to provide pain relief, reduction of inflammation & preservation of joint integrity & function
• Involves passive & active exercises to improve & maintain the range of motion of joints, heat or cold application & relaxation techniques
• Podiatry referral may be considered

• Helps maximize physical function & improve level of independence 
• Focus of therapy is on upper extremity activities
• May involve education on joint protection & self care, & instruction on the use of assistive devices

• Consider losing weight if obese
• Intake of food rich in fish oil or eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid may provide decrease in symptoms​

• Resting & working splints may provide pain relief, increase joint stability & improve function

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