Question

A massage therapist examines a 24-year-old male client who complains of morning stiffness of his hands and visible swelling. The client indicates that the stiffness seems to diminish with activity. Which of the following does this describe?

A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Fibromyalgia
D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 1

A 24-year-old male client presenting with hand stiffness in the morning that improves with activity and visible hand swelling likely has Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder affecting synovial joints.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 24-year-old male client with morning stiffness in his hands that diminishes with activity, along with visible swelling, is likely experiencing symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune disorder primarily affects the synovial joints resulting in stiff, swollen, and painful joints. While the exact cause of RA is still unknown, immune cells mistakenly attack the healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and cartilage breakdown.

RA commonly manifests between the ages of 40-50 and is more prevalent in individuals with declining estrogen levels, especially post-menopausal people. Diagnosis can be made via clinical examination, blood tests for rheumatoid factor or anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and imaging techniques like X-ray or MRI.