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Rheumatoid Arthritis Case Study

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Case Study: Rheumatoid Arthritis

INTERVIEW Mr. Skeeter Buck Medical record number: 123-45-678 Service date: September 8, 2011 DOB: August 8, 1975
Skeeter Buck is a 36 yr. old Caucasian male being seen for some testing before starting an exercise program to help improve exercise tolerance, muscle strength and range of motion in joints.
Medical History
Skeeter Buck has had 4 years of joint pain with some very severe occasions. He complains of stiffness in his wrists, hands, knees, and feet. The stiffness seems to last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours in the morning. When his joints are sore he is very unstable and feels as though he has no balance. The joint pain does not occur on a regular basis but when it does, he tends …show more content…

People with rheumatoid arthritis have impaired exercise tolerance. The disease affects flexibility, biomechanical efficiency, muscle strength, endurance, and speed, which contributes to functional limitations. There are three levels of classifying rheumatoid arthritis disease stages:
1. Acute: reversible signs and symptoms in the joint related to synovitis
2. Chronic: stable but irreversible structural damage brought on by the disease process
3. Chronic with acute exacerbation of joint symptoms: increased pain and decreased range of motion and function often related to overuse or superimposed injury. (3)

Figure:(12)
Signs and Symptoms of Concern
(13)You should see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:
Feel unusual pain and stiffness in your joints
Pain and stiffness in the morning lasting more than 30-60 minutes before you feel any relief
Feel more fatigued than normal
Lack of hunger leading to weight loss
Importance of Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Although people with rheumatoid arthritis may be hesitant to exercise due to pain they experience within their joints, current evidence suggests that a significant amount of disability related to the condition occurs from lack of fitness. By not exercising, muscle strength and endurance begins to deteriorate. This weakens the joint and contributes to accelerating the speed or arthritis. By not exercising you are also putting

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