Reflection 1: A Specific Biological or Physical Challenge or Issue

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe biological issue, making it difficult for the patient to engage in various activities due to pain and inflammation in the joints. RA commonly occurs in adulthood and, if left untreated, results in joint degeneration and disability. Awareness of the antecedent biological and behavioral conditions contributing to RA enhances the patient’s well-being. This reflection will examine the causes of RA, its most challenging aspects, evidence-based management approaches of RA, and career fields associated with the disease: Reflection 1: A Specific Biological or Physical Challenge or Issue.

Identification

A common biological challenge that people experience is rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as RA, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. RA can affect anyone, but it is more likely to be diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60 years and causes pain, stiffness, and decreased movement in the joints (Feehan et al., 2024). In the worst cases, it results in severe joint deformities that limit the ability to perform various daily activities and reduce the quality of life. Patients diagnosed in their early stages should take their doctor-prescribed medications, undergo physical therapy, and change their lifestyle in a way that will lessen disease progression symptoms.

Examination

Rheumatoid arthritis, like most autoimmune diseases, is determined by hereditary predisposition, immunogenetic factors, and behavioral and environmental factors such as smoking and infections. Age and gender are also factors in that RA affects middle-aged people and is more common in women than in men. Tobacco use, nutritional imbalance, and lack of exercise may contribute to the development of the disease and worsening of the illness.

Hardest Aspect(s)

One of the major factors that make RA hardest to manage is its chronic nature and how frequently it impacts independence and functionality. It also brings about chronic pain and joint deformities, which may, in turn, cause psychological complications, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, and require healthcare providers to attend to psychological issues. From an ethical standpoint, it can be challenging to guarantee equal treatment and access to biologics as they are expensive and may not be available to all individuals due to inability to afford them or because they are not covered by insurance. If left untreated, RA can cause significant disability, restrict employment, and also bring financial and emotional burdens on both individuals and their families.

Recommendation

According to the current guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, should be initiated early in treatment to slow disease progression and prevent structural damage to the joints (Riaz et al., 2025). Prompt interventions that target the affected limbs or joints can lead to an improved functional outcome with less disability, keeping the client mobile and more functional.

Additionally, the greater engagement of community establishment organizations might scale up support, awareness, and help for individuals with the mental and social effects of RA. By receiving appropriate health care and social support and changing behavior, people can and should have better health and function in the future, be productive members of society, and reduce illness costs to their families and society.

Career Connection

A rheumatologist is a doctor with a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases affecting joints. Rheumatology specialists must first earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree before completing a residency in internal medicine and rheumatology. They are often engaged in identifying the ailment at an early stage, outlining treatment plans, and educating and counseling patients on other impacts that may lead to disability.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and musculoskeletal condition that has a detrimental effect on movement and overall health. This makes it gradual in its impacts, such as long-term pain, mental anguish, and the costs of therapy. In response, one can provide research-supported treatments for symptom management from the onset and ongoing community support for more favorable outcomes. The increased understanding of RA and healthcare professionals who manage this condition empowers people with this condition to live the best life possible.

References

Feehan, L., Xie, H., Lu, N., & Li, L. C. (2024). Twenty-four hour physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep profiles in adults living with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional latent class analysis. Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44167-024-00049-5

Riaz, M., Rasool, G., Yousaf, R., Fatima, H., Munir, N., & Ejaz, H. (2025). Anti-rheumatic potential of biological DMARDS and protagonist role of bio-markers in early detection and management of rheumatoid arthritis. Innate Immunity, 31. https://doi.org/10.1177/17534259251324820

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Reflection 1: A specific biological or physical challenge or issue
These four (4) reflections provide students with the chance to recognize and tackle various challenges or issues that may emerge at different periods throughout the lifespan, such as childhood, adulthood, late adulthood, end of life, etc. Each reflection, composed in essay format (see note about essay format below) and informed by scholarly sources, will cover a different type of challenge or issue, as follows:

• Reflection 1: A specific biological or physical challenge or issue.
• Reflection 2: A specific cognitive challenge or issue.
• Reflection 3: A specific socioemotional or psychological challenge or issue.
• Reflection 4: A specific social challenge or issue.

Note about Essay Format: Even though these are short writing assignments, a strong essay includes an introductory paragraph with a solid direction/thesis, supportive body paragraphs with paragraph transitions, and a strong conclusion paragraph. It also requires you to use correct APA for a References page and in-text formatting. If you are unsure how to compose an essay or how to work within APA standards, please reach out to the course instructor, the Writing Center, the Tutoring Center, or to a CSP librarian.

Reflection 1: A Specific Biological or Physical Challenge or Issue