The Portuguese Physioterapists Order marks the National Day for the Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient.
The date was instituted in 1999 by the Ministry of Health, given the high number of cases diagnosed in Portugal. The Portuguese Society of Rheumatology estimates that it affects 0.8 to 1.5% of the Portuguese population.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease, which is characterised by inflammation of the joints and can lead to the destruction of joint and periarticular tissue. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis often experience pain and difficulty in mobilising their joints, with an impact on their functionality and quality of life.
Physiotherapy is an important form of treatment to combat pain and discomfort, improve the amplitude of movements, prevent and treat joint deformities, maintain or increase muscular strength and promote the patient's autonomy to carry out their daily activities, contributing towards improving functionality and the citizen's quality of life.