Factors associated with degenerative joint changes
- Mechanical Stress (The articular plate (subchondral bone) thins, and its ability to
absorb shock decreases)
- Altered Lubrication
- Immobility
Clinical Manifestations
- Pain
- Joint swelling
- Limited movement
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Warmth,
- Erythema
- Joint involvement begins in the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. As the
disease progresses, the knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, ankles, and cervical spine joints
are affected.
- The onset of symptoms is usually acute. Symptoms are usually bilateral and
symmetric. In addition to joint pain and swelling, another classic sign of RA is joint
stiffness, especially in the morning, lasting at least 30 to 45 minutes