What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Knee?
Rheumatoid Arthritis a chronic (long term), progressive auto-immune disease (a disease whereby the body’s cells are attacked by its own immune system causing damage). It causes swelling and damage to cartilage and bone around joints. Over time this leads to deformities of the affected joints. The exact cause(s) of RA are not yet fully understood. Osteoarthritis may also be present in conjunction with RA.
Symptoms
An individual with RA of the knee may have Knee joint pain, swelling or inflammation (a combination of heat, redness, swelling and pain), knee joint stiffness and warmth around the knee joint.
Treatments
The effects of RA cannot be reversed but the aim of orthotic intervention is to reduce symptoms associated with joint changes/deformity. This may be achieved using:
