Q: I was just diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. What can I expect?

A: Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which means your body attacks its own tissues. It's a chronic inflammatory condition which affects your joints as well as other body systems. It can affect your eyes, heart, spleen and nervous system. Initially, symptoms are often fatigue, weight loss, weakness and generalized aching and stiffness. Most common joints affected are the knuckles, wrists, knees and feet. Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammatory response, using a wide variety of drugs from aspirin to gold salts. Physical Therapy is indicated to provide education in joint protection, range of motion exercises and gentle strengthening. Exercising in a warm pool is ideal for this.

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