Why was Lionel barrymore in a wheelchair?

Answer 1

Initially, Lionel had broken his hip in an accident, which caused him to be filmed in a wheelchair, but he also had Arthritis, which progressed rapidly and severely. The wheelchair was necessary for the remainder of his life.

Answer 2

My guess is that he had the aggressive, rheumatoid arthritis or RA, aka Rheumatoid disease or autoimmune arthritis. This form of “arthritis” is the body’s immune system thinking that cartilage and other organs in the body are foreign and begins attacking itself. If the immune system isn’t suppressed early on, most RA patients will end up in a wheelchair. The drugs that are used are chemotherapy drugs and biological as well as NSAIDs and steroids. The drugs can take a toll on the body but at this time, there isn’t much else, available. There is a study being conducted on a vaccine. And sometimes antibiotic therapy is helpful. Eventually, the joints will cease to function as they will become dislocated. The main areas of the body are the feet and hands that show damage. Swan-neck deformities of the fingers and nodules near joints such as elbows, knees, feet, and hands. It is a very painful disease.