Rheumatoid arthritis is the second of the most common inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, the first being osteoarthritis (arthrosis).

The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not clearly known, but there is evidence that suggests that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excess consumption of caffeine or red meat increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Also, the genetic component may be responsible for the appearance of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

A joint is where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Every bone in the body, with the exception of the hyoid bone in the neck, joins at least one other bone through a joint. The joint cartilage covers the articular surfaces of the bones and has two faces: one adhering to the articular surface of the bone and another free, which corresponds to the articular cavity. Its edge continues with the periosteum. At the level of this edge there is also the synovial membrane. Its thickness is variable, between 1-12 mm, depending on the pressure exerted on the articular surfaces. As we get older it tends to thin out. Cartilage is attributed two important properties: compressibility and elasticity of the joint.

The synovial membrane is a layer of serous tissue that seals the deep face of the joint capsule and secrets a liquid called synovial fluid.

As the inflammation sets in, the joint capsule becomes swollen and painful and secondarily, the joint becomes unstable and with increased pain. The articular cartilage is also affected and may develop some deformities.

The condition evolves differently in each person, but tends to manifest itself similarly, with painful episodes followed by episodes with milder, less painful symptoms.

Since is autoimmune disorder, Rheumatoid Arthritis does not heal but the symptoms can be controlled by various forms of treatment, namely:

Drug treatment with painkillers and anti-inflammatories helps control pain and inflammation. But there are also antirheumatic disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), also called non-biological therapy as well as biological therapies, corticosteroids etc. The rheumatologist will decide the form of treatment depending on the evolution of the disease and its implications.

The specific exercise programs, performed daily, have an important role in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis, being necessary for:

➢ preventing joint stiffness (since is a condition with progressive evolution, in the absence of movement, the joints become rigid)
➢ maintaining stability and increasing joint mobility
➢ preventing tension on the articular cartilage, the more toned the muscles are, the less tension is placed on the cartilage
➢ activating the vascularization of the joint (unvascularized joints such as the knee, need exercise to mobilize blood flow to them) reducing pain

It is indicated in certain evolutionary stages of the disease for:

➢ surgical correction of joint deformities
➢ synovectomy (surgical removal, partial or total, of the synovial membrane)
➢ repair of tendons
➢ joint prosthesis (replacement of the destroyed joint with plastic or metal prosthesis).