Many of us take the easy and pain-free movement of our hands for granted. However, those suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis that impact their functionality know how precious this ability is. Those living with this condition often experience daily joint pain that can be crippling in its intensity. The Lake County Plastic & Hand Surgery team provides surgical treatment options for these patients. Reconstructive surgery can help relieve pain and restore hand mobility to those with rheumatoid arthritis, restoring function and improving their quality of life.

How Reconstructive Hand Surgery Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that turns our body’s immune system against us. Over time this condition can cause stiffness, swelling, and joint pain that can significantly impact our hand’s ability to function. In severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can even cause the joints of the hand to become deformed. When you come to see the Lake County Plastic & Hand Surgery team, we’ll start by evaluating your symptoms and determining the severity of the condition. We’ll use the results of this assessment to begin developing your treatment plan and to set the proper expectations for the results of the procedure. We provide four surgical approaches that may be used individually, but more often, some combination of the following techniques will be involved in your care:

• Synovectomy – During this treatment, we remove the inflamed lining of the joint to ease swelling and pain.
• Joint Fusion – Some patients may benefit from fusing two joints together to restore stability, ease pain, and prevent deformity from advancing.
• Joint Replacement – Insertion of prosthetic joints can restore function in your hands and maintain their natural appearance.
• Tendon Transfer and Repair – Some patients may benefit from having the tendons in their hands re-routed or repaired.

Those who undergo reconstructive hand surgery for this condition can experience notable improvement in their quality of life. Following this treatment, many patients report that they have a greater function in their hands, combined with a reduction in pain that helps enhance their ability to perform daily activities. Every patient’s experience with rheumatoid arthritis is unique. That’s why we start by developing a personalized treatment plan that takes your symptoms, preferences, and personal experience with life with rheumatoid arthritis into account. Based on your lifestyle and needs, we’ll design a treatment plan that will help improve your quality of life and achieve your treatment goals.

Start Your Journey To Improved Function With Reconstructive Hand Surgery

We’re dedicated to providing exceptional care to improve our patient’s quality of life. When treating cases of rheumatoid arthritis, that means ensuring that we understand our patient’s goals and the details of their condition. Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t have to limit your ability to function or use your hands significantly. With reconstructive hand surgery, you can experience relief from pain, increased function, and a restoration of your independence. Contact us today at (262) 523-1200 or visit us at N19 W24075 Riverwood Dr, Ste 228, Waukesha, WI, to start your journey of healing with Lake County Plastic & Hand Surgery.