Treatment including disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) should be started upon diagnosis in order to reduce disease activity, prevent joint damage and lessen the impact on the peoples’ daily lives. The disease course is usually characterised by episodes of worsening or “flares” alternating with periods of lower disease activity. Spondyloarthropathy (SpA) comprises a number of different diseases: ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease and reactive arthritis. The SpA subgroups include a variety of conditions that could be characterized by axial and/or peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and an association with HLA-B27 antigen. The symptoms of SpA are also tender and swollen joints, pain in both small and large joints, morning stiffness and fatigue resulting in impaired spinal mobility and physical function. Physiotherapy is the main non-pharmacological treatment for SpA. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) and sometimes DMARD are prescribed to alleviate symptoms. FS will support you in comprehensive disease management to control disease activity, as well as identify, assess and address psychosocial issues, which is a valuable complement to the medical care. For our clients to achieve a greater sense of control, self-efficacy and empowerment, FS will support to meet their expressed needs and promote their self-management skills.
