Knuckle Replacement for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Surgical Intervention for Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Knuckles

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by pain-causing inflammation that affects the function of your joints. RA happens when your immune system attacks your body’s own tissues. However, there is no known cause of this form of arthritis.

Although RA can affect any joint, it is most common in the wrists and fingers. When rheumatoid arthritis symptoms affect the knuckles, surgical intervention can be a viable treatment option.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Although symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person, some of the most commonly reported symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the fingers include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Swelling and inflammation
• Fever
• Experiencing the same symptoms in both hands
• Fatigue

How Knuckle Arthroplasty Helps Alleviate Symptoms

When arthritis symptoms affecting the hands and fingers continue to worsen over time, they can cause chronic pain, deformity, and even disability if left unaddressed. Fortunately, arthroplasty can help you to find some much-needed relief.

Arthroplasty, also commonly referred to as joint replacement, involves the removal of the damaged joint tissue and replacing it with an artificial implant. When it comes to replacing finger joints, this procedure can help to restore joint function, flexibility, and range of motion.

It is important to keep in mind that, unlike larger joints in the body, joint replacement is most successful before rheumatoid arthritis affecting the fingers becomes too advanced. This is because it becomes increasingly difficult to reconstruct healthy soft tissue around an implant—which can lead to replacement failure.

Orthopedic Care in Fox Valley

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we can help you get back to a pain-free, comfortable life. If you have been dealing with aches and pains that have lasted for more than a week, don’t put off getting help another day. Call (630) 584-1400 today to schedule your appointment.