| Are you constantly in pain? Do you have trouble | | | | not. There are typically three options available. The |
| grasping things or feel pain whenever you exert | | | | first is to clean the joints. This is best for small shows |
| pressure on your hand joints? You are not alone. | | | | of arthritis. Bone spurs can form but can be |
| Many people suffer from different stages of arthritis | | | | removed, which will alleviate the pain involved. |
| and have always been told that it's just something | | | | The second option is to fuse the joints together. This |
| that happens in life and to take over the counter pain | | | | is reserved for very advanced arthritis. It literally |
| medication to manage. They are told to take it easy. | | | | fuses the joint in to one bone which takes away all |
| Arthritis works because of pressure. Pressure rubs | | | | the pain, but also takes away any movement. If the |
| away at the cartilage, which exposes the bone. | | | | pain is predominantly in the wrist, these two are |
| When that is not protected, the bones rub on each | | | | recommended more than any other options. |
| other causing inflammation, swelling and stiffness. | | | | The third option is total replacement. In this surgery, |
| Cartilage lubricates the bones to keep them in full | | | | the joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic. |
| operating order. When it is gone, the function starts | | | | The material of the prosthetic varies from joint to |
| to deteriorate. | | | | joint and person to person. One that has had large |
| For some people that is not an option. If you are | | | | success is one that is made of silicone and has hinges. |
| unable to stop working, or just need the use of your | | | | It also has tapered ends that insert into the bone so |
| hand for whatever reason, it is necessary to find | | | | provide the most functionality. |
| treatment that will allow it. This treatment is called | | | | The only person who can help you decide which |
| arthroplasty. This is the replacement of the joint with | | | | option is best for you is your doctor. He or she will |
| a new, fake joint that will be easy to use. | | | | be able to look at your problems and to recommend |
| In hand joint replacement surgery, first there is an | | | | a course of action. If joint replacement is found to |
| evaluation consisting of medical history and x-rays. | | | | be the best option, rest assured that you will soon |
| The extent of the damage is assessed and then | | | | have movement of your hand and can go back to |
| decisions are made about whether to do surgery or | | | | living your life. |