Understanding function in RA: practical evaluation in the outpatient setting: important insights can be gained with an assessment in a standard office visit

A challenge with the aggressive new care model for patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been determining which measures to use to assess disease activity and response to therapy. With an observed functional assessment based on the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire domains, both the physician and the patient can gain important insights into function during a standard office visit. The presence of impairments in strength, joint range of motion, pain, and coordination--including balance and dexterity--can affect patients' ability to perform functional activities. This assessment allows a physician to observe the impact of these impairments on function. It may help identify patients with significant changes in function who can benefit from effective intervention. (J Musculoskel Med. 2012;29:102-105)
Treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has undergone tremendous advances related to greater understanding of its pathophysiology and the introduction of effective disease-modifying medications. New management strategies for RA [...]