Rest therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Smith, R.D.; Polley, H.F.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 53(3): 141-145
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-6196 PMID: 628223 Document Number: 127437
Rest therapy in rheumatoid arthritis has long been controversial. Available evidence indicates that exercise increases joint inflammation and destruction and rest reduces inflammation. Hospitalization may produce improvement in inflammation, which is sometimes marked. Fatigue, a frequent and often prominent symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, is a guide to therapy. Sufficient rest to prevent fatigue combined with appropriate physical therapy would be expected to improve the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.