RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

A condition affecting the immune and skeletal systems.

Also referred to as rheumatoid arthrosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease there is no known cause.

RA is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by an inflammatory response as the body attacks its own connective tissue.

RA appears three times more often in females and onset can occur between 16 and 70 years of age, but is most common between the ages of 20 to 55 years.

• Symptoms may include

- pain,
- stiffness and,
- loss of joint function 

RA is characterized by periods of exacerbation (‘flare-ups’) and periods of remission.

• Joints usually affected

- shoulder,
- hip,
- elbow,
- knee,
- wrist,
- ankle,
- hand and,
- foot

• Massage recommendations

Massage may assist to reduce pain and is useful for stress management.