Impact of rheumatoid arthrtis on functional limitations of wrist and hand

Abstract

Background:  Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with various wrist and hand deformities and malalignment, this makes activities of daily living difficult to perform. Identification of these functional limitations in early stages is imperative as it can change the course of the disease and prevent further deterioration of the joints.

Results:  On an average 38.5% subjects reported affection in their overall hand functions, 50.7% subjects reported difficulty in performing activity of daily living, 82.5% subjects reported disturbance in their work performance.

Conclusion: The study of functional limitations of wrist and hand in rheumatoid arthritis is an important step forward to understand the disease in different stages and its impact on wrist and hand functional limitations to effectively start early physiotherapy rehabilitation to prevent the progression of disease as well as treat signs and symptoms too.