Special Concerns for Antiarthritic Drug Therapy in Rehabilitation Patients

The disease-modifying agents used in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with a number of side effects that could influence rehabilitation. Some of these drugs, such as the gold compounds and methotrexate, may cause headache and nausea, which may be bothersome during the therapy session. Joint pain and swelling may also occur with drugs such as methotrexate and peni- 

SECTION 4 Drugs Used to Treat Pain and Inflammation 

Finally, the use of DMOADs (viscosupplementation, glucosamine, chondroitin) to restore joint function in osteoarthritis is fairly new, and it is not clear if these techniques will have any side effects that will have a direct impact on physical rehabilitation. Likewise, it remains to be seen if there are any rehabilitation techniques (exercise, physical agents) that could enhance the effectiveness of DMOADs. It is hoped that these techniques will work synergistically with physical therapy to improve function in patients with osteoarthritic joints. 

Problem/lnfluence of Medication. The combination of an NSAID and a disease-modifying drug, along with the physical therapy program, seemed to be helping to decrease the patient s pain and joint stiffness. However, she began to develop skin rashes and itching on her arms and 

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis represent two distinct forms of joint disease that can produce devastating effects on the structure and function of synovial joints. Fortunately, management of these conditions has improved substantially through advancements in drug therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated pharmacologically with NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, and various DMARDs. NSAIDs, including aspirin, repre- 

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Special Concerns for Antiarthritic Drug Therapy in Rehabilitation Patients... 

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