Rheumatoid arthritis RA is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis 1. RA is characterized by synovitis due to the continuous accumulation of inflammatory infiltrate into the synovial membrane, leading to gradual joint architecture destruction 2.
The prevalence of RA ranges from 0. This systemic disease can also affect organs close to joints, such as lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and liver.
Thus, malaise, weight loss and fatigue are also found in RA patients 4. The results of Overman et al. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, chronic systemic inflammatory disease which imposes a significant economic burden on patients and societies if not controlled 6. Half of the affected patients will not be able to work within years of its diagnosis. The resulting physical disabilities lead to a significant economic burden and reduce their productivity and quality of life 7.
Also, in addition to physical problems such as fatigue and pain that limit the daily activities of these patients, they are more susceptible to anxiety, depression and cognitive disorders compared to healthy population 8. Various treatments are used for rheumatoid arthritis, but the most important is Glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are powerful, broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents, but their use is complicated by an equally broad range of adverse effects 9.
Therefore, it is important to use non-pharmacological methods in addition to drug treatment. NPTs, including many exercise modalities, psychological interventions, physio- and balneotherapy, dietary interventions, and education with their complex action can have a synergistic additive effect with targeted pharmacological therapies It is very necessary to prevent the progression of the disease, frequent hospitalizations and subsequent complications for better management of this chronic disease.
