Many people who suffer from persistent arthritis may try to “live with the pain,” or delay getting the treatment they need. However, when pain from arthritis is ignored, it can worsen until it becomes permanent or even untreatable.
If you have arthritis pain, it is imperative that you seek treatment as soon as possible. While your doctor may recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and/or steroid injections, you may also be a candidate for surgery.
Whether you are considering surgery or are already preparing for it, staying informed about your treatment and condition can make a huge impact on your recovery. Below, we’ve laid out some of the fundamentals that surgical candidates need to know!
- There are different types of arthritis surgery. If the total joint is damaged, a joint replacement may be recommended. If the synovium (the lining around the joints) is inflamed, it may need to be removed with a synovectomy. Other surgeries include osteotomy (partial bone removal), and arthrodesis (fusing together two joints – often the knuckles in the hand).
- Your options depend on a number of factors such as age, weight, and overall health. Also, your surgeon may recommend two procedures at the same time. If, for example, you need a removal of damaged cartilage, you may also need a fusion of the joint.
- What you do in recovery is as important as the surgery itself. In the days immediately following your surgery, you want to follow your doctor’s orders – to the letter. This is the time when the joint is healing and what you do could either encourage the growth of healthy tissue or prevent it. If you are ever unsure about what to do during the recovery make sure to ask your doctor!
For more information on the treatments available for arthritis at Orangewood Surgical Center, call (714) 221-4236.