Reconstructive Hand Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who suffer from arthritis know how it can make life difficult. Its symptoms can keep you from comfortably doing daily activities, preventing them from enjoying life. Worse, although it is largely associated with aging, arthritis can also affect the younger population.

One of the most common types of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. About 14 million people worldwide are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, in the US, around 1.5 million of the adult population has it. As such, it is among the reasons behind chronic pain complaints. In some cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as joint deformity.

In this post, we discuss everything you should know about rheumatoid arthritis and what treatment options are available, including surgery.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. This means that the immune system attacks healthy tissues and cells by mistake. This results in the inflammation of the affected body parts. 

Rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, attacks the joints in the knees, wrists, and hands. Additionally, it can attack multiple joints at once. The lining of joints with RA become inflamed. In time, this causes damage to the tissues, causing chronic pain, lack of balance, and deformity. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause problems in organs that do not have joints, such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. 

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you are wondering if you may have rheumatoid arthritis, watch out for these signs and symptoms:

• Pain in multiple joints
• Stiffness in multiple joints
• Swelling and tenderness in multiple joints
• Symptoms are felt on both sides (i.e. both hands ache)
• Exhaustion
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fever

In rheumatoid arthritis, these symptoms may get worse for certain periods of time. These episodes are referred to as flares. Meanwhile, there are times when the symptoms become better, known as remission.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

In general, rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an anomaly in the body’s immune response. As such, its specific cause is yet to be determined. However, there are certain risk factors that can make one more susceptible to developing RA. These include:

• Age. Older people are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gender. New cases of RA are 2-3 times higher in women than men.
• Genes. People with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genotypes are more susceptible to developing advanced RA.
• Smoking. People who smoke also have a higher risk of developing RA.
• Obesity. People who are overweight or obese are also more susceptible to developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Joint Damage as a Complication of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no exact cure for rheumatoid arthritis itself. However, early control and treatment of its symptoms, as well as prevention, can help mitigate the risk of joint damage and keep symptoms from getting worse.

On the contrary, if rheumatoid arthritis is not controlled properly and timely, it can lead to significant and permanent joint damage. Some of the problems that can arise from RA involving the joints are:

• Damage to bone and cartilage near the site of inflammation
• Damage to surrounding tendons

Often, these complications need to be treated with surgery to prevent the total loss of function and to improve the appearance of the joints.

Hand Reconstructive Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In cases where the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have advanced, causing joint deformity, surgery may be recommended. A surgery can be done to:

• Repair the damage joints
• Reverse deformities
• Reduce pain and associated symptoms
• Improve movement and function

Which Surgeries Can Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Certain plastic surgeries can improve the symptoms of RA and the joints’ function and appearance. These include the following:

1. Arthroplasty

Also known as joint replacement surgery, this is an advanced form of surgery wherein the joints are replaced with silicone prosthetics designed to restore finger joint function.

2. Arthroscopy

In this minimally invasive procedure, the bone and cartilage fragments causing joint inflammation are removed.

3. Arthrodesis

This is a fusion surgery wherein the joints are attached to help stabilize them and to restore alignment.

4. Synovectomy

In this procedure, the inflamed tissues in the synovium, the lining of the joints.

5. Tendon Release

This surgery is done to disconnect or split ligaments affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Tendon Transfer

This surgery is performed to rebalance the fingers and wrists. It is done by removing a working tendon from one side and basically transferring it to the damaged side. 

Get the Right Kind of Hand Reconstructive Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis From Revive

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating condition. Fortunately, there are ways to control and reverse its effects, including hand reconstructive surgery. However, for surgery for rheumatoid arthritis to work for you, you need to work with a trusted team of medical professionals and surgeons.

Revive Plastic Surgery & Anti-Aging Institute is home to experienced, qualified, trusted, and certified plastic surgeon in Coral Gables who can successfully perform reconstructive hand surgery for rheumatoid arthritis. You will receive complete tests and evaluations to determine exactly what type of surgery is best for your condition. 

Don’t let rheumatoid arthritis keep you from enjoying life to its fullest. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. You are in good hands with Revive Plastic Surgery & Anti-Aging Institute!

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.