Surgical Treatments for Arthritis Pain: What to Expect

Are you struggling with arthritis pain? If so, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 54 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Finding relief can be challenging for many, but there is hope! One option that may offer much-needed relief is surgical intervention. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect from these types of procedures in order to help make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Overview of Arthritis and the Need for Treatment

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, with an estimated 350 million people worldwide suffering from it. It affects not just the elderly, but also younger people and children. 

Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by inflammation and swelling of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness that can limit mobility and affect quality of life. It has numerous causes, including genetic predisposition, age, overuse of certain joints, and underlying medical conditions.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), which is caused by the age-related breakdown of cartilage. 

OA generally affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, or feet. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), gouty arthritis (GA), infectious arthritis (IA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Each type has distinct symptoms and treatments.

Surgery is often the last resort when it comes to treating arthritis pain, but it can be a viable option for those who have experienced little success with other treatments. 

Surgery can help relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve quality of life. Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, different surgical procedures are available.

The Different Types of Surgical Treatments Available for Arthritis Pain

• Arthroscopy - This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon makes small incisions into the affected joint and inserts tiny instruments with cameras to examine the inside of the joint. From there, they can remove damaged tissue or fix any structural abnormalities that may be causing pain.
• Joint replacement surgery - In this procedure, the patient’s damaged joint(s) will be replaced with an artificial implant made from metal and plastic components. This new prosthetic joint will help relieve arthritis pain and improve mobility in the area.
• Fusion surgery - In some cases this may be recommended for those who suffer from severe arthritis symptoms that cannot be controlled with other treatments such as medications or physical therapy. During this procedure, two bones are joined together so that they will heal into one single bone. The new fused joint allows for more stability at the site but usually reduces mobility in that area as well.
• Osteotomy - is another form of surgery used to treat certain types of arthritis pain by correcting irregularities or deformities in certain bones that could potentially cause further problems if left untreated. In this procedure, surgeons cut away portions of bone so they can realign them properly and reduce strain on certain joints or muscles surrounding them.
• Tendon repair surgeries - used to alleviate chronic pain caused by worn tendons due to arthritis or repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. In this type of surgery, surgeons open up the affected area to replace or repair any worn-out tendons with healthy ones from elsewhere in your body (or from donor tissue).

Risks Associated with Surgical Procedures for Arthritis Pain

Although surgery can reduce or even eliminate the pain experienced by some individuals, there are risks associated with any type of surgical procedure that cannot be ignored.

• Pain
• Infections
• Blood clots
• Injuries to vessels and nerves
• Stiffness in the joint
• Slow healing

Given these potential risks associated with arthroscopic surgery for treating arthritis pain, it is important to discuss all available options with your doctor prior to undergoing any type of treatment plan so that you are fully aware and prepared for any potential risks involved in order to make an informed decision about which treatment plan is right for you.

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's first outpatient center focused exclusively on orthopedics. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and orthopedic excellence.