Guide To Reducing Joint Pain

Surgical Intervention And Joint Replacement

In cases of severe joint damage or joint pain that isn't relieved by prescription painkillers, patients might be a candidate for surgical intervention and joint replacement. The right surgery for a patient will vary depending on the cause and location of the joint pain. A synovectomy, for example, is an option for rheumatoid arthritis patients. This procedure removes diseased synovium, which reduces pain and slows joint damage. An osteotomy can correct bone deformities through reshaping the bone. Resection is often performed on the feet and involves the partial or complete removal of a diseased bone. Bone fusion surgery can relieve pain in the thumbs, fingers, wrists, and ankles. This surgery keeps the joint from moving but offers greater stability. Arthroplasty can refer to total joint replacement or rebuilding joints. With total replacement, the joint is removed, and synthetic parts are used to replace it. The most common materials are plastic, ceramic, and metal.