Physical Therapy in Leprosy

Leprosy is a public health problem in the world. The introduction of multidrug therapy provided significant changes in the control of the disease but this treatment does not prevent the occurrence of the physical disabilities. The presence of disabilities including physical disabilities, caused by the involvement of nerves, may lead to a reduction in work potential, restricted social life, and psychological disorders, and are responsible for discrimination against patients. Some factors contribute to the appearance of these problems such as delayed diagnosis, lack of patient adherence to treatment, and the presence of reactive episodes. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and prevention of disabilities impede the transmission of disease and reduce disabilities including psychosocial impairment. Thus, physical rehabilitation and surgery are important tools to prevent disabilities, to improve functional capacity, esthetics, and social life, and to alleviate pain.