title: Rheumatoid hand. Practical approach to assessment and management.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease with a predilection for the synovial tissues. Its diverse involvement can be demonstrated in the hand, where several anatomical structures can be affected simultaneously. Proper management requires attention to this principle, and a complete diagnostic evaluation will help to identify correctly the cause of the patient's functional limitation and pain. We present a practical approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis in the hand.
authors.affiliation: Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Towheed
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Anastassiades
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012146:Rest
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents