[Non-drug and non-surgical measures in chronic polyarthritis]

Therapy of rheumatoid arthritis requires a treatment plan which coordinates the different therapeutic measures within the framework of a long-term strategy. By detailed information the patient is to be gained for cooperation in the fight against the disease. Physiotherapy and a daily home program represent an important part of the treatment. Other decisive measures are ergotherapy, counselling on resources, prescription of splints, counselling on shoes, matching of walking aids, and sociomedical counselling. The treatment of the patient in a well coordinated team offers optimal conditions for therapeutic success.