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Hand Deformity – Turn To A Hand Surgeon

May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When Faced with Arthritis of the Hand, Turn to a Hand Surgeon

Arthritis may affect any joint in the body, but it is most visible when it strikes the hands and fingers. If you suffer from arthritis of the hand, you are not alone. More than 40 million Americans are affected by arthritis of the hand, 20 million suffer from osteoarthritis, and 2.1 million are diagnosed with the more severe rheumatoid arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis of the hand, relief may be found as close as your nearest hand surgeon,a specially trained physician who has dedicated his or her practice to both surgical and non-surgical care and treatment of the hand.

Arthritis of the hand may be both painful and disabling. The most common forms of arthritis in the hand are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cushioning cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at joints begins to wear out. It may be caused by simple wear and tear on joints, or it may develop after an injury to a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the cells that line and normally lubricate the joints. It is a systemic condition, which means that it affects multiple joints, usually on both sides of the body. The joint lining becomes inflamed and swollen. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand offers the following descriptions:

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis of the Hand

Stiffness, swelling, loss of motion, and pain are symptoms common to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the hand. With osteoarthritis, bony nodules may develop at the middle joints of one or more fingers and at the finger tip. Osteoarthritis is very common at the base of the thumb. In rheumatoid arthritis, some joints may be more swollen than others. There is often a sausage-shaped swelling of the finger. In either form, the joints may enlarge and the fingers become crooked.

How Arthritis of the Hand is Diagnosed

Your doctor will examine you and ask whether you have similar symptoms in other joints. X-rays will show certain characteristics of arthritis, such as a narrowing of the joint space, the formation of cysts or bony outgrowths and the development of hard areas of bone. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, he or she may request blood or other lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Arthritis of the Hand

Treatment is designed to relieve pain and restore function. Treatment decisions are based on the type of arthritis you have, its progression and its impact on your life. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and relieve pain; prescription medications or steroid injections may be recommended. Your physician may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist because changing the way you do things with your hands may help relieve pain and pressure. Temporary splinting is often very helpful in relieving symptoms.

Osteoarthritis Treatments

If you have osteoarthritis, your physician may recommend a period of rest. You may also be advised to wear finger or wrist splints at night and for selected activities. Surgery is usually not advised unless these treatments fail.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands, medications can help decrease inflammation, relieve pain and retard the progress of the disease. Rest, controlled exercise, and wearing finger or wrist splints may also be part of your treatment program. Several disease-modifying treatments are now available.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many cases the active swelling decreases in time and with appropriate medications and therapy. Surgical procedures can often help correct deformities, relieve pain, and improve function. These options include joint replacements, joint fusion and, in some cases, removing damaged bone and swollen joint lining.

Find a Hand Surgeon Near You

To find a hand surgeon in your area, visit the American Society for Surgery of the Hand’s public information website and utilize the free “Find a Hand Surgeon” service offered to the general public. Simply visit: http://www.HandCare.org.

The mission of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is to advance the science and practice of hand surgery through education, research and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners.

The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (from the tip of the hand to the shoulder). Hand surgeons can set fractures, provide appropriate nerve care, treat common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow, reattach amputated fingers, create fingers for children born with incompletely formed hands, and help people function better in their day-to-day lives through restoring use of their fingers, hands, and arms.

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Linda’s thoughts on the subject….
I do think this an excellent article, however it needs to be stressed that the Physical Therapy that one must receive after surgery is crucial!  My doctor says that the therapist must be specifically trained in hand therapy and the patient must be prepared to be in a rather cumbersome brace and be committed to receive frequent treatments over a 3-4 month time period if they expect the best results. I hope to be undergoing my first hand sometime this year while the weather is still warm, and no need to wear a coat.

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RA Symptoms & Botanical Remedies

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Article by eme michael

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal tissues as if they were invading antibodies. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes inflammation of the tissues around the joints and other organs of the body.

Although there are common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis there are also many differences that exist. The above listing is only a partial listing of what you need to know about common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts every person differently. No two people experience the disease in exactly the same way. These differences make it difficult to identify the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves looking at a patient’s symptoms. For instance, morning joint stiffness may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; X-rays may help doctors determine which form of arthritis is present.

On the other hand, fish oil supplements have shown to have no side effects and only minor adverse reactions. They are also much cheaper than the non-inflammatory medications and more readily available.

Mangosteen is a relatively new and exciting addition to the western world as an anti-inflammatory. It was used historically by the native peoples of Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, Malaysia and the Philippines to treat a variety of bodily aches and pains.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treatment usually involves the use of NSAIDs class drugs. These are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs that are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Those who are afflicted are also encouraged to undertake appropriate exercise as it is important to retain their natural range of motion and flexibility, particularly in the synovial joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease. The disease generally worsens as it progresses. If you are aware of any early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you can take steps to prevent it from degenerating and a worsening in your condition.

Feverfew, lei gong teng and Cat’s Claw have been used historically by native healers as natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other health conditions. According to the researchers at Massachusetts General, test tube results indicate that feverfew may be very active in modulating immune system responses.

some common signs and symptoms:

1-Fatigue2-Aches in muscles and joints3-Stiffness in joints4-Low-grade fever can be present5-Appetite loss6-Joints can become red, swollen, painful, and tender

Unlike osteoarthritis which causes pain and stiffness because the cartilage that normally prevents the bones in the joints from rubbing together is wearing away, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are caused by an inflammation of the membrane that normally lubricates and protects the joints.

Four of the factors used in diagnosing the disease must be present for six weeks before a positive diagnosis can be made. As mentioned, joint pain is one of the first symptoms rheumatoid arthritis sufferers report, but joint pain is also present in osteoarthritis.

Actually, in India, curcumin is considered a standard anti-inflammatory medication. Indeed, turmeric as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis deserves a discussion with a physician.

These are some of the many natural remedies that can be found to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and to avoid a flare up of the symptoms.

Prevention and Cures

Diagnosis commences with some crucial tests. These tests determine the severity or the stage of rheumatoid arthritis for the individual. Once rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed, anti-rheumatic drugs are prescribed.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. are prescribed initially and more often to those who are suffering from mild form of the disease. But when the case gets worse, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs are given.

how does one know that he already has this chronic disease? The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be present one moment and disappear again when the disease has ceased to be active. Thus, some people have a tendency to ignore seeking the help of a doctor when they first feel the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

 

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Parenting With Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects around 0.8% of the UK population. The majority of those affected will be female and most will be diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. Given these figures, it is no wonder that the question of how to parent with Rheumatoid Arthritis often comes up.

Here is my quick guide to Parenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Talk to your children
It can be difficult finding the right words to explain to your children why you are no longer able to do the things you used to, but the alternative leaves children confused and worried. Don’t make a big deal of it, but find some time to sit down with your child and discuss your diagnosis. Remember to use age appropriate terms and listen to your child’s worries and fears. A great way to involve your children is to let them try out your aids – if you have a wheelchair let them sit in it, if you have wrist splints let them try them on.

Above all, remind your children that although life has changed, your love for them never will. A visit to the library can be a good source of age appropriate books on disability.

Take advantage of the good days
With Rheumatoid Arthritis you will have good days and bad days. Unfortunately, predicting which day will be which is pretty impossible. Be spontaneous! On a good day, ditch your boring plans and visit the seaside or take a walk.

Forget the cleaning
How would you like your children to remember their childhood? As one filled with cleaning or one filled with play? Save your energy for the important things in life.

Introduce film night
If your children are a bit older then a film night can be a good way of getting a bit of rest.

With all of the family sat around the TV, you can put your feet up without feeling guilty. Alternatively take them to the cinema and enjoy a quick 40 winks.

Enlist older children
If you have older children then enroll their help – a helping hand opening jars or turning keys will make life so much easier. Don’t feel guilty about it, you’ll be teaching them a valuable lesson about compassion and family responsibility.

Don’t be afraid to buy arthritis aids
The thought of buying arthritis aids can be scary – somehow making your diagnosis more final. Don’t let this put you off, there are some great aids out there which will massively improve your life. A pretty cane, a jar opener for the kitchen or a funky coloured wrist splint will do wonders for your confidence.

Finally, ask for help
Rheumatoid Arthritis is often called the “invisible disease”. Often you don’t look ill and unless your swelling is particularly bad you may struggle to impress upon friends and family just how difficult everyday tasks can be. It’s hard to ask for help, but even something as small as asking a neighbour to help put the rubbish out can be a real achievement. Remember, you didn’t ask for this disease.

Angela Lown is business owner of http://www.funkyarthur.co.uk A rheumatoid arthritis sufferer herself she has three children and is committed to raising the profile of arthritis in the young.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent symmetric irritation of multiple peripheral joints. It’s a single from the most typical inflammatory rheumatic diseases and is characterized by the improvement of the chronic inflammatory proliferation of the synovial linings of diarthrodial joints, which leads to aggressive cartilage destruction and progressive bony erosions.Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious disease and early detection and treatment is critical. If you begin to experience any of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, keep track of your symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. It is best to keep a detailed journal of your symptoms that you can discuss with your doctor. There are over 100 types of arthritis and proper diagnosis is needed to determine the proper treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary – and can include any of the above symptoms or all of the above symptoms.

Different symptoms may be apparent at different stages of the disease. Consulting a physician with a list of your known symptoms can help you discover if rheumatoid arthritis is the type of arthritis you have. Active and Inactive Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that can occur in stages.Rheumatoid arthritis manifests itself over a period of a few months. However, for some, the disease appears overnight. Accelerated onset of rheumatoid arthritis does not mean the individual is at greater risk of the progression of the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis can lasts for years without symptoms. But rheumatoid arthritis is an illness that progresses and has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability. Usually, patients suffer cycles from severe to light symptoms.

These elements have long been suspected to be the root causes of rheumatoid arthritis. But then again, it hasn’t been proven that they alone are sufficient to cause the disease. What is certain is that viruses, fungi, and bacteria play a certain role in the development of the disease, as they trigger the body’s immune system to act. Therefore, it can not be ruled out that these infectious agents may have something to do with rheumatoid disease

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