Arthritis Under the Knife The severity of rheumatoid arthritis can go from minimal, with pain and swelling in just a small number of joints, to rigorous, involving deformity and immobility in several areas of the body. While the treatment of this disease is typically a combination of medical care as well as lifestyle change, doctors turn to surgical options when the pain becomes too severe.
As with any condition, surgery must always be entered into with much thought and care. For rheumatoid arthritis, it plays a crucial part in relieving one’s pain and improving the function and mobility of the affected joints. Many factors, however, must be considered before turning to surgery for rheumatoid arthritis. - Structural Damage. When extreme harm afflicts one’s joints and its surrounding tissue, medical treatment becomes less viable. Whether or not the problem can be fixed by surgery however, can only be determined by specialists. A rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon must always be consulted before taking action.
- Critical Timing. Surgery always runs the risk of spiraling into several complications, which is why it is usually viewed as a last resort—something only brought up when absolutely necessary. Time is of the essence when it comes to scheduling surgeries. An operation that is delayed beyond the norm may render negative results, but surgery that is done before it is even necessary may also leave the patient much worse.
Today, there are a plethora of surgical options for those with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Specific methods cater to certain areas of the body, allowing for treatment to be localized. - Carpal Tunnel Release. This relieves Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, characterized by tingling and numbness in one’s hand, followed by piercing pains up the wrist and arm.
- Total Joint Replacement. The damaged joint is removed and replaced by prosthesis (artificial joint). This procedure is done under anesthesia, and different techniques are utilized depending on the joints involved. Arthritic knees involve the removal of the damaged ends of bones as well as cartilage. Plastic and metal replacements are installed to restore movement in the knees. Arthritic hips, on the other hand, require the removal of the damaged ball. The complicated procedure includes shifting to a metal ball as well as the implantation of a plastic socket into the pelvis.
- Synovectomy. The joint lining is removed to prevent further damage of cartilage and bone. This procedure may be done repeatedly, depending on tissue regrowth.
Surgery is not something to be taken lightly, and neither is rheumatoid arthritis. The disease, as well as the drastic measures taken to alleviate the pain it brings, must be looked into with the help of well-recommended professionals and specialists.
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