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Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Paper

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a musculoskeletal and autoimmune disease, which causes the body’s immune system to target and attack primarily its own joints and joint linings (Brodwin, Tellez, & Brodwin, 2009, p. 124). Since RA is a systematic disease, it affects the body as a whole, and is not limited only to joints. The inflammation and pain can spread from the joints, into the cartilage, connective tissue, and ultimately into adjacent organs (Cush, Kavanaugh, & Stein, 2005, p. 323). After the initial diagnosis of RA, there are three classifications that RA can develop into. The first is called Monocyclic RA, which means that an individual is afflicted with a single episode of inflammation, lasting up to five years, and then enters remission. …show more content…
The stiffness and aches are most prominent and active when individuals wake up in the mornings, and also followed long periods of sedentariness ("Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms & Treatment | Arthritis Foundation," n.d.). Flares are marked by swollen, tender, and painful joints, and are most commonly seen in the hands and the wrists. Individuals afflicted with RA develop difficulties carrying out every day activities such as opening bottles or turning doorknobs. As RA progresses, the joints of the knees and feet also become inflamed leading to pain when walking. A rare symptom of RA is when the inflammation affects the cricoarytenoid joint, which is responsible for “the tightening of our vocal cords.” When this joint is inflamed, it can result hoarseness, as well as a change in the tone of the voice ("Rheumatoid Arthritis Index by MedicineNet.com," …show more content…
120). There are many ATD that assist individuals with daily activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking. ATD also work towards promoting safety while people independently carry out their daily living activities. A few examples of ATD include raised toilet seats, long-handled shoehorns and dressing devices, grip bars, reachers, and bathtub benches (Rogers & Holm, 1992, p. 121). Additionally, within the past several decades, many devices have been developed that can assist individuals with actions of gripping and grabbing. This is primarily because at the onset of arthritis the inflammation and pain is most commonly and severely felt in the joints of the fingers and wrists. These ATDs include doorknob extenders, key turners, and jar openers ("Rheumatoid arthritis | University of Maryland Medical Center," n.d.). Studies have shown that individuals with RA utilize these ATDs significantly more frequently than individuals with other conditions and other forms of arthritis. There is also an increase seen in ATD usage when individuals develop complications and other medical conditions as a result of their RA. Since pain and limitations in the range of motion are one of the most prominent and restraining effects of RA, ATD aids in managing the pain while

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