Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints, causing swelling and stiffness, severe limitation of joint movement and deformities. These occur especially in the hands and feet, but also in the wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles, elbows and spine. Usually bilateral and symmetrical, it may also involve other organs and tissues.
The primary target of inflammation is the synovial membrane, which lines and lubricates the joint through the synovial fluid it produces. Cells of the immune system release inflammatory substances that cause swelling and joint damage.
The triggers of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet fully understood; however, genetic and environmental factors are thought to be responsible for an abnormal immune response at joint level.
The most common symptoms, which develop gradually over time, include joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, fatigue and sometimes fever, tendon inflammation and myalgia. Painful nodules, known as rheumatoid nodules, may appear in the subcutaneous tissue of the elbow and forearm. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by phases of exacerbation and remission, during which symptoms may decrease or even
temporarily disappear.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on clinical evaluation and laboratory and imaging investigations (X-rays and MRI). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in limiting joint damage and improving disease prognosis.
There is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis; however, pharmacological and rehabilitative treatment helps to control symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation, slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
Pharmacological treatment includes immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often combined with corticosteroids, DMARDs capable of acting on disease progression, and biological therapies.
Specific kinesiology and/or physiotherapy treatment should be carried out in the absence of pain and with gentle joint impact. In more severe cases, aquatic rehabilitation is recommended, as it allows movement without load and promotes a general sense of wellbeing. Initially localised and focused on the most significant regional impairments—particularly of the hands—the treatment is later integrated with global interventions aimed at improving posture, muscle strength, joint mobility, independence, general health status and quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis therefore requires an active lifestyle, with dedicated and personalised movement-based intervention.