Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Lower Leg

Definition:
A systemic disease, which affects connective tissue of the lower leg; arthritis is the dominant clinical manifestation, accompanied by thickening of articular soft tissue, with extension of synovial tissue over articular cartilages, which become eroded; the course is variable but often is chronic and progressive, leading to deformities and disability.
Purchase 3 Phases

Symptoms
  • Pain usually occurs in bilateral lower legs
  • Swelling usually occurs in bilateral lower legs
  • Stiffness usually occurs in bilateral lower legs
  • Difficulty with inclines and stairs
  • Pain with walking
  • Pain with standing
Causes
  • Unknown
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Possible family heredity
  • Usually it takes a chemical or environmental "trigger" to activate the disease in people who genetically inherit RA
Treatment
  • ROM and stretching to ankle and foot
  • Foot intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Lower extremity strengthening
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Lower Leg Phase I

Purchase Phase

  • Foot Wedge
  • 3-D Runners Stretch
  • 100s
  • Passive Ankle Inversion
  • Passive Ankle Eversion
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Single Leg Balance
  • Toe Yoga
  • Tri Planar Knee To Wall
  • Nose To Wall
  • Stationary Bike
  • Contrast Bath

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Lower Leg Phase II

Purchase Phase

  • Heel Raises
  • Heel Offs
  • Slips Rocker
  • Step Overs In Mase
  • Step Downs
  • Backwards Step Ups

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Lower Leg Phase III

Purchase Phase

  • Heel Offs
  • German Dance
  • Heel Raises
  • Step Overs In Mase
  • T Band Walks In Mase
  • Tennis Ball Push
  • Jump Rope Routine
  • Toe Hops