Roohealthcare.com – If you have suffered from arthritis in your wrist, you may want to consider having Arthritis Wrist Surgery. These surgeries may be appropriate for you depending on the severity of your condition and the extent of your wrist pain. Before you have surgery, your surgeon will first carry out an evaluation of your wrist and any swelling or pain. Your wrist may also show signs of bone spurs or worn-down cartilage. Your doctor may also do blood tests to determine whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the problem, you may also be able to undergo an ultrasound to check for joint inflammation or tendon irritation.
Treatment for Arthritis in the Wrist
Treatment for arthritis in the wrist may include rest, over-the-counter medications, or a splint. A doctor may also recommend using heat, cortisone injections, or an anti-inflammatory drug. Arthritis in the wrist can sometimes lead to joint fusion, which will eliminate pain and restore movement but may reduce your ability to do certain activities. A cortisone shot can also be given to help treat the symptoms of arthritis without surgery.
Arthritis in the wrist is a degenerative disease of the joints that is primarily inherited. In early stages, approximately half of the affected patients have wrist involvement, which increases to ninety percent after a decade. It may also involve both sides of the wrist. If left untreated, this condition can lead to social impairments, long periods of illness, and loss of employment. For these reasons, the wrist is an ideal location for Arthritis Wrist Surgery.
The right type of surgery for your arthritis wrist depends on the severity of the disease and its pattern. Your age, activity level, and type of arthritis will determine the type of surgery that is best for your condition. You and your surgeon will have to discuss your treatment options and make a decision together. You may need several visits with your doctor before choosing the right surgery. It will depend on your individual condition and your lifestyle. However, the risks of the procedure are usually outweighed by the benefits.
Removing Cartilage That Has Been Damaged by Arthritis
If you have severe arthritis in your wrist, you can opt for total fusion, which fuses all the bones of your wrist. In this procedure, your surgeon removes any cartilage that has been damaged by arthritis. The damaged bone is then merged using pins, plates, and screws to hold it in place. As a result, your bones will grow together, relieving the pain you experience. You may also experience pain in your wrist after the procedure.
During your recovery, your doctor will prescribe you with post-operative pain medicine to help manage the discomfort you experience. Make sure to take your post-operative medications as directed. However, be sure to avoid consuming alcohol or nicotine for a couple of days. These substances may interfere with the healing process and restrict the blood flow to your surgical site. You will have to take these pain medications for weeks to months afterward.
If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, your surgeon may recommend Arthritis Wrist Surgery. As surgery is an invasive procedure, it should be the last resort for your condition. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, your surgeon will ask you about your symptoms and any previous treatments. He will discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with you. You will also be told about your recovery time. You may experience bleeding or infection near the surgical site.
Having Wrist Arthritis After Broken Bones
Some people may develop wrist arthritis after a fracture, either a distal radius break, or a broken bone. In any case, the bone may have worn down to an uneven surface, causing more pain. As the same is true for car tires, wearing out on uneven surfaces will wear the joint down faster. Even a minor fracture can lead to severe wrist arthritis. The condition can even be aggravated by trauma.
If you have suffered from arthritis in the wrist for a long time, you may wish to consider surgery. In some cases, a local injection is sufficient. In other cases, a minor day-case operation can free the tendon. In some cases, the patient will still need to wear a bulk bandage after surgery. Nevertheless, you should be able to use your fingers after undergoing Arthritis Wrist Surgery.
Your recovery time will depend on the procedure you undergo and the severity of your condition. You will be immobilized in a cast or splint for weeks or months. You may be restricted to using your hand during this period. Your doctor will also place a post-operative dressing on your hand to prevent infection. You will need to keep the dressing clean and dry to prevent complications. You will also need to avoid overusing your hand.
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