Arthritis

Recover Function in Hands Suffering From Arthritis

As technology and treatments have advanced, successfully restoring form and function in hands hit by arthritis becomes increasingly possible.

At Advanced Plastic and Hand Surgery, Dr. Sunishka Wimalawansa applies his talents and care in helping patients overcome the painful deformities and the loss of hand function that can come with arthritis. We can treat arthritis of the wrist, base of thumb, distal radioulnar joint, and all of the other finger and thumb joints

A board-certified plastic and hand surgeon with additional specialized fellowship training and additional certifications in surgery of the hands and upper extremities, Dr. Wimalawansa uses innovative surgical procedures that work.

Call us today at 937-949-8457 to request your appointment.

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FAQs for Arthritis Treatment

How Can Surgery Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it inflames and then destroys the protective cartilage in the joints of your hand and wrist. Pain, swelling, and deformity increase, while swelling in the ligaments and tendons can cause further instability and deformity in your joints.

Although there is no surgical cure for arthritis, surgery can be used to treat many of the symptoms.
- Decrease your pain
- Improve your mobility
- Repair or stabilize the deformities in your joints
What Other Hand Abnormalities Are Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

One of the classic features of rheumatoid arthritis is the development of nodules, which typically appear near joints in the hands, wrists, and elbows. Whether they are movable or fixed, as the nodules enlarge they can become painful or even interfere with joint functions.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses further, you may lose the ability to straighten one or all of your fingers due to ruptures in your tendons. You also may experience prominence or collapse in your wrist bones, as well as severe angulation in your fingers and thumbs.
What Kind of Surgery Do You Perform for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Dr. Wimalawansa will examine your condition before making a recommendation regarding the surgical options available.
- Tendon reconstruction
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis)
- Joint replacement (arthroplasty)
Can You Surgically Treat Other Forms of Hand Arthritis?

Surgical therapies available to patients experiencing the ongoing pain and loss of function due to severe osteoarthritis or “wear-and-tear” joint degeneration are also available to our rheumatoid arthritis patients.
What Is the Difference in the Joint Surgeries Available?

They are very different and are used to treat different issues.

In joint fusion, a more stable, stronger, and mostly pain-free knuckle is created, but the joint will have scant ability to flex or move.

Typically, fusion is used on the joints nearest the tip of the finger where movement is not vital. In fact, many patients report they are able to function better after fusion surgery because they are no longer limited by pain.

Joint replacement, on the other hand, is typically reserved for the knuckles at the base and second joint of the fingers.