Surgery .Arthritis

Surgery for Arthritis

Various forms of surgery may be needed to reduce the discomfort of arthritis or to restore mobility or joint function. Synovectomy is the removal of damaged connective tissue lining a joint cavity, and allows the body to regenerate new, healthy tissue in its place. This operation is most common in the knee. In cases of severe arthritic damage to the neck or foot, bones can be surgically removed or fused. Although movement is limited after such surgery, the operations relieve excruciating pain and help prevent further damage to nerves or blood vessels.

If arthritis pain and inflammation become truly unbearable, or arthritic joints simply refuse to function, the answer may lie in surgical joint replacement. Today, hip and shoulder joints - as well as smaller joints in elbows, knees, and fingers - can be replaced with reliable artificial joints made of stainless steel and plastic. This type of surgery can dramatically improve function and mobility.
Arthritis Pain Management

Because one of the most trying aspects of this disease is learning to live with arthritis pain, many doctors recommend training in pain management, including cognitive therapy. The National Institutes of Health has found that cognitive behavioral therapy, using education and behavior modification alongside relaxation techniques, is better than routine care for relieving arthritis pain. Such programs focus on improving patients' emotional and psychological well-being by teaching them how to relax and conduct their daily activities at a realistic pace. Learning to overcome mental stress and anxiety can be the key to coping with the physical limitations that may accompany chronic rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Cognitive therapy may include various techniques for activity scheduling, imaging, relaxation, distraction, and creative problem-solving.
Alternative Medicine for Arthritis

A variety of alternative therapies are used for arthritis. Let your doctor know if you're considering them.

Some studies suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are as effective as NSAIDs for reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness in osteoarthritis. Studies in 2001 show some promise that they may slow the progression of osteoarthritis as well. More studies are underway to further investigate this. Typical doses are 1500 mg for glucosamine and 1200 mg for chondroitin daily. Glucosamine can raise blood sugar, so be sure to talk to your doctor before taking it, especially if you have diabetes. The antibiotic doxycycline may also show some potential in delaying the progression of osteoarthritis by inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage. More research is needed to confirm these results.

The National Institutes of Health considers acupuncture an acceptable alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that acupuncture helps reduce pain, may significantly lessen the need for painkillers, and can help increase range of motion in affected joints.

Available over-the-counter since 1999, the supplement SAMe has been shown in some studies to be as effective against osteoarthritis pain as NSAIDs, with the added benefit of fewer side effects.