Is Rheumatoid Hand Reconstruction Right for Me?

Our hands play an essential role in our daily lives. They are a critical part of our connection to the world as they are responsible for our sense of touch and help us to accomplish everyday tasks. When our hands are in pain, it can wreak havoc on our quality of life and make ordinary tasks challenging to complete. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common culprit for aching hands and can cause joint deformities, worsening the situation. But, Rheumatoid Hand Reconstruction has helped many people regain their quality of life.

Here are a few points on how the procedure works and if it may be what you need to help you find pain relief.

When Is Rheumatoid Hand Reconstruction Necessary?

When rheumatoid arthritis affects the hands, it can have debilitating consequences. Symptoms such as swollen joints, chronic pain, and loss of function can be crippling. Conservative methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis, such as anti-inflammatory medications, heat therapy, and compression garments, aren’t always enough to address the issue. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe damage to some joints, and sometimes the damage can be enough to make Rheumatoid hand reconstruction surgery necessary. 

What To Expect From The Procedure

A rheumatoid hand reconstruction involves surgically replacing damaged hand joints with artificial ones. 

Artificial silicone or metal replacement joints can help with the loss of use you may have experienced with your hands and provide the necessary cushioning for your bones that has been ruined by severe arthritis.

How long the surgery takes depends on how damaged your hand joints are and your doctor’s tactics for your procedure.

The Aftermath of Rheumatoid Hand Reconstruction

Your results can vary and depend on factors such as how well your body responds to the joint replacements and your overall health. 

Complete recovery from hand surgery can also vary, but it can take several months in most cases. But some people can resume light activities after a few weeks.

While some people may be hesitant about having surgery on their hands, the procedure provides the possibility of long-lasting relief and helps restore mobility for some patients.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office in Ogden. Please schedule a consultation with Utah Orthopaedics by calling us today at 801-917-8000.