Arthritis, painful inflammation and swelling of the joints, is surrounded by misinformation and myths. This debilitating disease has been blamed on stress, osteoporosis, too much exercise, and the weather. Some people even insist that one of the greatest joys of childhood, cracking the knuckles, can lead to arthritis later in life. Actually, none of these factors are causes of arthritis. The tendency to develop arthritis is related to inherited genes, excess weight, injuries to the joints, and repeated infections or illnesses.  Hand Surgery Los Angeles only treats arthritis in the hand, wrist and arm, but here is more information on arthritis surgery throughout the body.

Similarly, myths abound about the best way to treat arthritis. One of the most effective treatments for arthritis at home is to use hot or cold compresses to gain some relief from pain. It is important to put a layer of cloth between the compress and the skin to prevent irritation. It is also wise to limit each treatment to fifteen minutes or less. Some over-the-counter medications are also effective in treating arthritic pain, but these should be used cautiously in order to limit the side effects associated with them. Condroitin and glucosamine, two herbal supplements, have also shown evidence in clinical trials of being effective for the treatment of arthritis symptoms. It is best to develop a plan of action for controlling arthritis pain with the help of a physician.

If the arthritis grows progressively worse, surgical treatment may become necessary to prevent loss of function. The five most common areas of arthritis surgery in Los Angeles include the following:

• Synovectomy
• Arthrodesis
• Arthroscopy
• Osteotomy
• Joint Replacement or Joint Revision

When needing arthiritis surgery in Los Angeles patients may first choose to have a synovectomy. This procedure gives pain relief through removing much of the inflamed connective tissue surrounding the joint. This releases the pressure on the joint and prevents further damage from occurring. It also alleviates swelling and reduces pain in treated area.

For severe arthritis of the fingers, thumbs, ankles, and wrists, arthrodesis is a common type of arthritis surgery in Los Angeles. When in need of this type of bone fusion arthritis surgery Los Angeles residents should be able to find excellent care. Under the care of an expert arthritis surgeon Los Angeles patients undergoing arthrodesis will have two bones around an arthritic joint fused together to give greater strength and support to the joint. While this procedure may result in less flexibility in the in the joint, it also gives greater stability and frees the patient of pain.

Arthroscopy is another option for those in need of pain relieving arthiritis surgery in Los Angeles. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a small tube with a light through an incision in the skin. This allows him or her to view the damage to the joint and repair the cause of the arthritis without more invasive surgery. This is the type of arthritis surgery Los Angeles patients have performed most often on shoulder and knee joints.

When consulting an arthritis surgeon Los Angeles patients may also wish to discuss whether an osteotomy is a good option for treatment. This surgery is done to correct deformity of the bones or malalignment of the joints which could be exacerbating the arthritis. This surgery is particularly useful for people with arthritis in the joints which bear weight, such as the knees and hips. It is also an option for people too young for a hip replacement procedure.

Finally, joint replacement or revision surgery can give relief to some patients seeking relief from arthritis surgery in Los Angeles. By removing damaged joints and replacing them with metal or plastic pieces which work in the same way, surgeons restore the ability to move freely without pain. Total or partial joint replacements are available for knees, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knuckles. Although recovery requires rehabilitation which can take months and weeks, joint replacement or revision surgery can completely restore the usefulness of the joint, and patients are excited with their results.

With all of these exciting choices, there is no longer any need for patients to suffer the loss of mobility or manipulation frequently associated with arthritis, nor should pain be a daily consideration. Though arthritis surgery Los Angeles patients may be able to once again perform daily tasks without suffering.

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HandSurgeryLosAngeles.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer