After surgery, RA can still cause problems. You may even need more surgery. Joint repair or reconstruction can be done in many ways, including: Surgical cleaning. This surgery removes inflamed and diseased tissues in the hands to help increase function. Joint replacement (arthroplasty). This type of surgery may be used in cases of severe arthritis of the hand. It may be done on older adults who are not so active. Joint replacement may reduce pain and help increase joint function. During the surgery, a joint that has been destroyed by the disease is replaced with an artificial joint. The new joint may be made out of metal, plastic, or silicone rubber. Or it may be made from your own tissue, such as a tendon from another part of your body. Joint fusion. For this surgery, a joint is removed, and the 2 ends of bones are fused together. This makes 1 large bone without a joint. This is usually done on people with advanced RA. After the bone fusion, the fused joint can't move. What are possible complications of rheumatoid arthritis?
What is rheumatoid arthritis? How is it treated? - Quora
Doctor of Medicine (M. D. ) in 2008 from UT Health San Antonio, Surgeon at TRACC Dallas Oct 27, 2018 4 min read Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease whereby symptoms typically become worse over time. It can cause severe joint deterioration as well as leave bones and cartilage badly damaged. Today, there are many medical treatments available that are designed to prevent progressive joint destruction and to preserve joint function. However, there are cases where the damage has become so severe that RA surgery may be required. Surgery is less and less common today thanks to the availability of increasingly advanced medical and physical therapy treatments. However, there are times when certain types of surgeries may be necessary. RA Surgery Due to the chronic nature of RA, patients may experience joint deformation. This can cause severe pain and discomfort and limit the patient's mobility and quality of life. RA surgery is used to treat severe joint deterioration. Surgery helps to relieve pain and restore mobility, so that patients can continue to perform daily activities.
At the same time, avoid lifting heavy objects. Before starting a regular workout, check how movement affects you. If you feel pain for more than an hour after exercising, then you have strained yourself too much. Also, do not exercise when your joints are sore and take a break when you feel pain. Change your posture from time to time, even when performing daily tasks such as gardening or cooking. Stretching If you are not currently suffering from joint pain, try to stretch each joint every day until it is painless. People with rheumatoid arthritis suffer the most from morning stiffness. So, take a warm shower and then do a series of stretching exercises to relax them for the rest of the day. Don't forget to rest Rest is important for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Taking a break will relax your mind, relax your joints, relieve pain, and reduce the fatigue often associated with this condition. The amount of rest depends on the patient's personal endurance. However, it is important that this does not last too long, as it can negatively affect your health.
It will also depend on how severe the condition is. There is no known cure for RA. The goal of treatment is often to limit pain and inflammation, and help you retain function. You may have 1 or more types of treatments. Treatment may include: Medicines. Some medicines may be used for pain relief or to treat inflammation. Other types of medicines can help slow the disease from getting worse. Early treatment slows progression of the disease. Medicines should be managed by a rheumatologist. This healthcare provider specializes in arthritis and rheumatic diseases. You may need regular blood tests to check how the medicines affect your blood cells, liver, and kidneys. Splints. Splints may be used to help protect the joints and strengthen weak joints. Physical therapy. Physical therapy may be used to help increase the strength and movement of the affected areas. In some cases, you may need surgery if other treatments don't work. Surgery does not cure RA. It helps correct the deformities caused by the disease.