ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING REHABILITATION MEASURES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The article summarises and highlights the main advantages and disadvantages of using rehabilitation measures for rheumatoid arthritis. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is 0.5–1.8%, and 80% of all cases occur between the ages of 35 and 50. It has been noted that the inflammatory process in the joints leads to pain, morning stiffness, swelling, structural damage and functional impairment. As a result of these pathological changes, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a limited ability to self-care, mobility, reduced daily activities, disability and a significant deterioration in quality of life. The purpose of the study is to analyse and highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of using rehabilitation measures in rheumatoid arthritis. Material: analysis and synthesis of scientific data in the modern scientific and methodological literature, databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar) on the use of rehabilitation measures in rheumatoid arthritis. Results. Carefully selected therapeutic exercises and other means of physical therapy help to suspend further progression of the disease, restore the functions of the affected joints, improve the physical condition and quality of life of the patient. Most of the recommended therapeutic exercises are intended primarily for the lower extremities (ankles), without taking into account the upper extremities (wrists, hands), which are primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis. There are still a number of problems in the rehabilitation treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, primarily related to the timely and comprehensive use of modern rehabilitation measures. A structured approach to the rehabilitation process is required for a systematic assessment of the consequences of the disease, appropriate definition and evaluation of the goals of rehabilitation interventions, and active partnership with the patient. The existing results of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in general clinical practice do not always meet the needs of patients. In this pathology, the activity and participation of the patients in question are not always taken into account in the process of rehabilitation treatment, which is contrary to the main provisions of the ICF. Conclusions. In the process of rehabilitation and social adaptation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, appropriate rehabilitation measures and technologies are needed that would solve the ultimate goal of physical therapy, that is, to adapt the patient to everyday life, domestic and professional conditions by improving the quality of life.