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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.

Rosemont, IL (PRWEB) June 25, 2004
©Copyright 1997-
Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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.

Please Leave a Comment below if you like

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Survey Findings Reveal Emotional and Physical Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 10, 2012 By 6 Comments

New Survey Findings Reveal Emotional and Physical Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Advancement of Treatment through Generations

Horsham, PA (Vocus) July 15, 2008

Emotional and physical limitations are significant challenges cited by people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to the results released today from two new, groundbreaking parallel surveys. According to the GeneRAtion surveys “ one of which includes feedback from more than 1,000 people living with RA and a second that polled more than 300 physicians specializing in the treatment of RA “ people with RA felt sad or depressed because of their disease an average of 25 days in three months and had difficulty with normal daily activities for 31 days in the same time period.(1) The surveys form the basis of a new disease awareness initiative, GeneRAtions, which is focused on increasing understanding of RA through the perspectives of varying RA generations“ people who have lived with or physicians who have treated RA for different lengths of time over a 30-year span.

It’s difficult to explain to people, even as a former Olympic athlete, why I sometimes struggle because of my RA. Many people don’t understand how great the mental and physical challenges can be when living with this condition, said Joy Fawcett, Olympic gold medalist and retired member of the U.S. Womens Soccer Team, who has been living with RA for more than a decade, and is a spokesperson for the GeneRAtions program, developed by Centocor, Inc.  I’m fortunate that in the 10 years since my diagnosis, education and treatment for the disease have improved, but we need to continue this momentum.

The GeneRAtions surveys, conducted by Manhattan Research and supported by Centocor, Inc., are the first to provide new insights into the physical, emotional and social effects “ including the impact of RA on relationships, work, and overall daily living ” of a debilitating disease that affects 1.3 million Americans. The survey results also highlight changes in physicians  approaches to treating RA over the past 30 years, the progress that has been made in managing the disease, particularly because of important treatment advances in the past decade, as well as patient and physician perspectives about the future of treatment. Key findings revealed that:

More than 90 percent of people with RA surveyed reported that their disease interfered with their work in the last three months, illustrating how RA can impede many facets of people’s lives. (2)
Physicians surveyed rated limitations on physical activities as the most restrictive consequence of RA for their patients. (3)
More than half of patients surveyed agreed that the public does not understand the difference between RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints. (4)
Two out of three of all patients surveyed believed that friends and family under estimate the impact of RA. More than half of all respondents felt that their doctors do not fully understand the impact of RA on their patients.(5, 6)
While nearly three out of five RA patients are satisfied with their physician’s ability to effectively treat their RA with current therapies, more than 80 percent are looking forward to the future for new innovative options. (7,

Comprehensive survey findings, as well as testimonials from people living with RA and physicians sharing their own personal experiences related to the disease, are available on the program website, http://www.RAGeneRAtions.com.

The specialty of rheumatology has made tremendous strides over the last 30 years when my father, also a rheumatologist, was practicing and aspirin was the standard treatment.

Today the standard treatment for people living with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis includes disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies that inhibit specific proteins like tumor necrosis factor (TNF), said Hayes Wilson, MD, Chief of Rheumatology, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. “Initiatives like GeneRAtions will bring awareness to this serious illness which can affect entire families; and in turn, may give rheumatologists the opportunity to prevent the debilitating effects of RA.

Findings from the GeneRAtions surveys provide interesting perspectives relative to both patient and physician insights, said Seth D. Ginsberg, Co-Founder and President, Creaky Joints, an arthritis advocacy group.  We are pleased to note the progress made so far in education and treatment and will continue our efforts to increase awareness of RA and improve patient’s quality of life.

About the GeneRations Surveys

The GeneRAtions surveys, completed in the first half of 2008, were fielded via one-time online inquiries of 1,050 RA patients and 307 practicing rheumatologists and primary care physicians specializing in the care of patients with RA. The population was wholly examined and further sub-segmented by the length of time RA patients had been diagnosed or time that physicians had been practicing.  Specific subsets consisted of individuals living with RA or a physician practicing for 10 years or less, 11-20 years, and 21 years or more. Each of the survey’s generational breakouts revealed the differences or similarities in experiences that people living with RA can have depending on the amount of time living with the disease since diagnosis or the amount of time a physician has been practicing and caring for patients with RA.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. Signs and symptoms of RA include pain, stiffness and motion restriction in multiple joints. Because RA is a progressive disease, it can cause permanent joint deformity and severe disability if not diagnosed early or if initial treatment is delayed. RA can occur at any age, but is most common in adults 30-50 years old and is two-to-three times more prevalent in women than in men. The cause of RA is unknown, although genetic factors may contribute to the disease.
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Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or

Linda’s Comments…
Thought this was an excellent article expressing the frustration of the general public not understanding the systemic and progressive  nature of RA and how it can effect every aspect of out lives.
What are your thoughts. Please leave your comments below, won’t you?

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Need For an Acurate Pain Scale for RA

February 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Need For a Acurate Pain Scale For RA
December 24, 2011 By Linda Basta Leave a Comment (Edit)

Pain is such a difficult thing to analysis. It can be so subjective. A good pain scale is needed for use by both patients and their health professionals. I consider the one used by most hospitals and rehab. centers as very inadequate. You know the one with the smilely faces labeled 1-10.
I never know what to pick. I’ve gotten tolerant over the year having RA. What I couldn’t deal with and labeled a 10, 8 years ago, now I put at a 7. They determine your medication does accordingly, so you always want to consider that when picking you number.
The one I like quite a bit better is called The Comparative Pain Scale developed as described in Jack Harich’s article on this webpage. http://www.tipna.org/info/documents/ComparativePainScale.htm.
It still goes by a 1-10, but each number is fully described so you can be more accurate. Go take a look.
I also like the use of words describing the type of pain. ie burning, stabbing, tingling, etc.
All in all, I think this is a very important issue. Most Rheumatologists and other Health Professional don’t have any idea what we are feeling, and so a good pain scale can help them to relate better to us, and give better treatment. Family members and care takers could become more empathic, and it would even help us to better communicate with each other.
What do you think? To leave your comments, click on the link above.

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Coping With Fatigue

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is sometimes the first sign of inflammation. Fatigue can make it harder to concentrate or deal with pain.  It can even make people feel helpless. Like pain, fatigue is a signal that something is wrong. Coping with fatigue can help you feel better.

Fatigue may be caused by inflammation, overdoing routine activities, medication side effects, stress, depression or a combination. Poor sleep and nutrition, and absence of regular exercise also may also contribute.

Feeling tired all the time can lead to stress and depression. And, if you become physically run down, your immune system will be less able to fight infection and illness. By setting priorities, making smart choices and conserving your strength, you will still be able to do most of what is important to you.

Pinpoint causes of your fatigue

Your fatigue may be caused by physical, emotional and environmental factors. Environmental factors such as high noise levels, temperature variations, and even daily hassles such as dealing with traffic and waiting in line can make you feel tired.

Keep a fatigue diary

Keeping a fatigue diary can help you discover the causes of your fatigue. Note the times of the day or week when you feel fatigue and what seems to trigger it. Sometimes you may see an obvious solution to the problem. For instance, you may blame overactivity when you feel tired, but by reviewing your diary you may see that your fatigue is a sign of increased disease activity.

Ask your doctor

Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue due to inflammation is often more easily corrected than fatigue that results from stress. The inflammatory cytokines (protein molecules) that are released in RA are the same chemicals that are released if you have a severe cold or flu. Your doctor can treat this type of fatigue by prescribing higher doses of your drugs or another drug to control the body’s inflammatory process. Once inflammation is under control, fatigue usually lessens.

It is also important to consider other potential sources of fatigue that your doctor can reverse. An example is anemia, which occurs when the body has too few red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. One type of anemia, also called “the anemia of chronic disease,and is often seen in people with RA. Effective treatment of arthritis usually resolves this type of anemia. Another cause of anemia is blood loss from stomach ulcers, which may require iron replacement and other treatments.

Another consideration is the medications themselves. Fatigue is a side effect of many medications, most frequently drugs for other conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or depression. Ask your doctor if any medications you are taking cause fatigue, and whether any adjustments can be made to improve the situation.

Fibromyalgia is also common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and may cause fatigue. If you have a second chronic condition, your fatigue level may be even higher. If you and your doctor address these additional problems, your level of energy should increase.
How to cope

The most effective approach you can take when dealing with your fatigue is to be aware that fatigue is a part of RA, and that you might have to adapt your schedule. Don’t look at your fatigue as a sign of personal weakness or try to deny it. It is simply one more symptom of your arthritis that you can learn to handle.

Here are some fatigue tips that are worth trying.

Many people with RA adjust their daily schedules, starting their days an hour or two later. This makes it easier to deal with morning stiffness and may also enable you to sleep longer. Ultimately, the result is less fatigue and a more productive day. Other people may rest or nap in the afternoon, which then allows them to continue their daily activities without exhaustion at the end of the day.

Avoid eating heavy meals; instead, opt for a light lunch, perhaps with a healthy morning and afternoon snack thrown in.

Rest is crucial. But doing too little can often lead to deconditioning which makes you feel more fatigued. Moderate exercise keeps your muscles and joints in condition, and has the added benefit of helping you sleep better at night.
Get a good night’s sleep

A lack of restful sleep is a problem shared by many Americans and caused by a variety of factors: stress; depression; caffeine, alcohol or drugs; not allowing enough time for sleep; and pain. When you have RA, pain may keep you from falling asleep easily, or it may awaken you during the night. Research has shown that some people with RA experience light, easily disrupted sleep with many mid-sleep awakenings. This contributes to fatigue.

There are several stages of sleep. During the night, your brain moves between these stages in cycles, and the types of electrical brain waves generated vary from stage to stage. To feel rested, your brain requires what is called delta sleep, named after the brain waves that occur in the third and fourth stages of sleep. REM (short for rapid eye movement) sleep is also important. It’s the stage of sleep when dreaming occurs, and without it, you will feel tired. (See “Insomnia? Getting a Good Night’s Sleep” for more information)

Prioritize your time and energy

There may be times when you feel more fatigued than others, and you will have to deal with limitations to your energy. Think of your energy as a resource that you have to conserve for your most important activities. This may involve saying no to lower-priority activities that take up too much of your energy.

Of course, saying no isn’t always easy, but it helps you stay focused on the priorities in your life, such as earning a living or spending time with your children. When you’re feeling fatigued, opting out of an activity may allow you to get the rest you need. Saying no to one activity may allow you to say yes to something more important to you.
Ask for help

Successful managers know that they cannot do everything themselves. Borrowing from their techniques, you can learn to delegate tasks that will help you manage your activities. Asking for help may be difficult at first. Because the effects of RA are not always visible, you may be afraid that co-workers and acquaintances will perceive you as lazy.

You may feel embarrassed to ask for help, especially if you’ve always viewed yourself as a high achiever. The following fatigue tips can make it easier to request help.

-Ask for specific help. For example, if you ask someone to take you shopping for one hour every other Tuesday morning, you are letting them know precisely what you need. Also, you show that you understand his or her time is valuable.
-Develop a pool of helpers. Spreading out the tasks keeps the burden from falling on any one person. Keep a list of friends and family and the tasks they’re willing to help with.
- Consider bartering or trading services. If you dislike asking for help, perhaps you can provide a service in return. For instance, offer to watch your friend’s children one afternoon a week at your house, if she will run some errands for you.

From Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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