Hand and Wrist

Arthritis of the hand and fingers can significantly impact your everyday life by causing intense pain, impeding the ability of sufferers to perform previously easy and daily activities. GlobMed is always working hard to bring you leading hand surgeons expertise in arthritis treatment.

What is Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid)?

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic (long-lasting) joint condition. Joint damage can build up over time, and thus, age and wear and tear of the affected joints are some of the leading causes of joint damage leading to osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just a sufferer’s joints. In some people, the condition can damage various body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Some arthritis can be treated with simple analgesia, exercises, anti-inflammatory and steroid injections. However, if this is not enough, you may benefit from surgery to help replace those affected joints.

Why Should I Visit a Doctor for Arthritis?

It is well known that the pain from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be severe. However, you should also not have to deal with the pain independently without help and treatment. The right doctor, arthritic specialist, physical therapist, or another health professional can help lessen the pain and discomfort, getting you back to living your life more efficiently and comfortably.

The benefits of treatment for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Less pain: The main reason for surgery relating to these conditions is to stop patients and sufferers from experiencing chronic and excruciating pain.
  • Restored movement and activity: Joint replacement allows many to resume their regular activities and hobbies they once enjoyed (such as cycling, hiking, swimming, golf and sports).
  • Safer: Joint replacement can be safer and more effective than previous times and can lead to fast or total alleviation of the condition in question.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Those who could be suffering from either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness (as well as discomfort when pressing on the area with your fingers)
  • Stiffness (and joint stiffness)
  • Inflammation
  • Warm and swollen joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite

Procedure – Surgery for Arthritis

The procedure for arthritis is usually a day, sometimes being performed under both local and general anaesthetic. First, the surgeon will make an incision over the soon-to-be-replaced joint, and the in-situ bone will be excised before a metal or silicone prosthesis is implanted. Finally, you will then have sutures and a dressing on top.

Usually, you will be discharged the same day with rehabilitation exercises and analgesia provided. A treatment alternative is the fusion of the joint using a plate or screw to stop the movement of the joint and thus reduce the pain of the joint. This is also a day case procedure under local anaesthetic.

Risks of Surgery for Arthritis

There are some (rare) risks as with any other surgical procedure. These include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scar
  • Damage to structures including nerves and tendons
  • Joint infection
  • No resolution in pain, ongoing discomfort

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