Arthritis most often affects people aged over 40, but it can also affect people of all ages. The most common cause is wear-and-tear, so as you age you are more at risk for developing Louisiana arthritis of the hand. Also, fractures, joint dislocation, and traumatic injuries make you more susceptible to developing arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints, organs, and tissues. It occurs most often in women between the ages of 15 and 44 and it inflames the lining of joints. It can organic digital agency cause pain, swelling, loss of function, and stiffness in joints. In severe cases, it can cause a joint to become deformed.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and occurs most often in older people. With this disease, the cartilage begins to wear away over time. In extreme cases, it can completely wear down, often causing bone-on-bone contact. When severe, the joint may lose all movement, causing a person to become disabled.
Post-traumatic arthritis: This arthritis develops following an injury to hand, elbow, or wrist. It may develop years after the trauma such as a severe sprain, ligament tears or a fracture.
Psoriatic arthritis: This typically occurs in people who have psoriasis, which is a scaling skin disorder that affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and toes. It can also cause changes in the toenails and fingernails. Back pain may occur if the spine is involved.
How is Louisiana arthritis of the hand diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose it by examining the hand. X-rays may be taken to determine the severity of the disease and locate any bone spurs or calcium deposits.
What are the treatments available for Louisiana arthritis of hand?
Nonsurgical treatment methods for relieving pain in an arthritic joint include:
- Activity modification;
- Pain medications;
- Splints;
- Steroid injections.
Surgery is usually considered if nonsurgical treatment fails to give relief; there are different surgical procedures that can be used and may include:
- Synovectomy: For early cases of inflammatory arthritis where there is significant swelling.
- Arthroplasty: Your surgeon removes the affected joint and replaces it with an artificial implant.
- Arthrodesis: A fusion that involves removal of the joints and fusing the bones of the joint together using metal wires or screws.
Rehabilitation for Louisiana Arthritis of the Hand
After surgery, a rehabilitation program – that often involves a physical therapist – may help to regain hand movement and strength. You may need to use a splint after surgery to protect the hand while it heals.
You may also need to restrict activities for a minimum of 12 weeks to let the joint reconstruction heal properly. Although recovery can be slow, you should be able to resume your normal activities within a few months of surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Louisiana arthritis of the hand and need treatment to relieve your pain and discomfort, call our office today to schedule a consultation.