Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding Symptoms & Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the synovium (joint lining), leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling often affecting the hands, knees, and ankles symmetrically. In advanced cases, RA may also impact the eyes, lungs, heart, and circulatory systems

Common Signs of RA

Tender, warm, swollen joints
Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity
Fatigue, low-grade fever, appetite loss

What Causes It?

RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy joint tissue, but the exact triggers aren’t fully understood. Genetics plays a role, and women are 3–5× more likely to develop RA than men.

The Role of Physical & Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy are essential for managing RA through:

Pain modulation & inflammation control — via heat, ice, gentle mobilizations
Maintaining joint function — stretching, strengthening surrounding muscles
Enhanced mobility & daily activity support — exercise programs, adaptive tools like splints, braces, grab bars

Additional Benefits of Therapy

Given cardiovascular risk factors in RA patients, regular moderate exercise helps lower systemic inflammation and improve heart health
Tailored support during flare-ups ensures safe movement and prevents further joint damage
Preserving independence through personalized therapy and adaptive strategies

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help .

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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