Rheumatoid factor | Physiotherapy for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Rheumatoid factor

Rheumatoid factors are corpuscles in the blood which fight the own immune system, which is also called autoimmune disease. The presence of rheumatoid factors in the body does not necessarily mean that these are active, i.e. that an illness occurs. Also the other way round, is not necessarily a rheumatism factor provable with an illness within the rheumatic form circle. In the case of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, however, a rheumatoid factor is found in the majority of cases.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is also popularly known as psoriatic rheumatism and is a subform of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In the disease, the small joints of fingers, toes and the spine are affected and painfully swollen. In addition, psoriasis exists at the hairline. Psoriasis often exists long before the onset of arthritis. The disease progresses in phases, with either less or more pronounced attacks depending on the severity of the disease, with corresponding consequences in the mobility and resilience of the joints.

Guideline

According to the guidelines of the AWMF for the successful treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it is stated that an early start of therapy is particularly crucial for the course of the disease, since the first attack is usually the most severe. For therapy during a relapse, light mobilization under traction, i.e., pulling apart the joint partners, is recommended in order to simultaneously relieve the joint and avoid additional pain during movement. In the long term, endurance sports are recommended, which has a positive effect not only on the body but also on the psyche, since patients suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis often also suffer from depression.The guidelines also provide precise guidelines for thermal applications, which include cold and heat therapy and, as described above, relax muscles, promote blood circulation and relieve pain.

Sports activities are recommended outside the inflammatory phase and after consultation with the treating physician, as they achieve positive effects in various areas, although evidence from long-term studies is still lacking. Furthermore, activities should only be performed in the pain-free area and outside the inflammatory phase. In general, it is important to take measures that promote quality of life and social participation.