When arthritis symptoms in your hands start to get in the way of your everyday life, it may be time to seek help from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
If you’re considering plastic surgery for finger arthritis in your area, take a look at this overview of the surgical and nonsurgical options you may be presented with.
Plastic Surgery for Arthritis
The type of arthritis that you have will determine which specific surgical techniques your plastic surgeon might suggest. Two of the most common options include joint reconstruction and joint fusion. During joint reconstruction, parts of the joints in your fingers are removed and replaced with soft tissue or synthetic implants to relieve pain and help to restore the function of the joint.
Plastic surgery for arthritis is custom-tailored to your individual needs.
Joint fusion may be recommended for severe cases of arthritis and involves fusing the affected joint together.
For specific types of arthritis, your plastic surgeon may recommend other surgical treatments, such as joint replacement surgery or a minimally-invasive treatment called arthroscopy. This involves the removal of small fragments of bone and cartilage that are causing joint inflammation.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
In most cases, a combination of nonsurgical treatments will be used prior to a surgical approach. These can include splints, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can also have a positive effect on many arthritis symptoms, although these changes won’t reverse or fix joint damage. Eating anti-inflammatory foods, getting regular exercise and practicing stress reduction habits can help to relieve pain and help you better manage your symptoms.
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