RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Case scenario: Joy G. is a 48-year old married mother of 3 active boys, ages 12, 15, and 18. She enjoys attending her sons’ sporting events and providing “Mom-Taxi” services for her sons and their friends. She also loves her part-time job as a hairdresser at a popular salon. Seven months ago, Joy began noticing stiffness in both hands in the morning that lasted longer and longer. Stiffness now lasted more than 1 hour every morning and included hands, wrists, and ankles. She also had increasing difficulty standing for long periods at work or at home due to foot and ankle pain. She began taking ibuprofen 800mg 3 times daily and found it helped her get through her day with less pain and stiffness. Three months ago, Joy noticed pain in her right and left shoulders when she would cut or blow dry her client’s hair. She also began feeling extremely tired and short-tempered. She had no energy to do her usual acti...