Rheumatoid Arthritis: (Conservative Treatment)
Pain management with modalities as appropriate, GA/PROM to help increase or maintain available AROM. Education in joint protection techniques is provided. Patient is instructed in stretching the intrinsic to help minimize ulnar drift of the MPs. Splinting may also be appropriate to prevent further deformity and to enhance function use. Light putty and sponge squeezing exercises may be done to help strengthen hands with care not to cause a flare-up of symptoms.
