Qualification for hand surgery in RA at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is most often associated with pain, swelling and stiffness of the hand joints. In some patients, however, chronic inflammation leads to permanent damage to joints, tendons and ligaments that makes daily activities difficult. Problems with gripping objects, straightening the fingers or performing precise movements can significantly affect independence and comfort of life. If you struggle with advanced changes in the hands related to RA, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw or OpenMed in Płock. Our specialists conduct rheumatological and orthopaedic consultations and qualify patients for surgical treatment, helping select the best solution for a specific problem and case.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the synovial membrane of the joints. Long-lasting inflammation leads to damage of the cartilage, bone and surrounding soft tissues. The hands are among the most commonly affected areas. As the disease progresses, finger deformities, weakening of grip, restricted mobility and damage to the tendons responsible for hand movement may appear.
When is surgical treatment of the hand in RA considered?
Pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation remain the foundation of RA treatment. Thanks to modern medications, many patients manage to effectively control inflammation and slow the development of the disease. It happens, however, that despite properly conducted treatment, progressing deformities, loss of hand function or tendon damage develop. In such situations, surgical treatment can help reduce pain, improve hand function and limit further damage.
Symptoms that may warrant a consultation for surgical treatment include:
- persistent hand or wrist pain despite conservative treatment,
- progressing finger deformities and hand positioning that interferes with daily activities,
- limited ability to grip and perform precise movements,
- suspected damage or rupture of the tendons,
- a significant decline in quality of life related to loss of hand function.
What hand surgeries are performed in RA patients?
The type of procedure depends on the severity of changes and the structures involved in the disease process. In the early stages of the disease, procedures to remove the inflamed synovial membrane of the joints or tendon sheaths (synovectomy and tenosynovectomy) are used, which may limit further tissue damage and reduce the risk of tendon rupture.
In more advanced cases, reconstructive procedures may be necessary, including tendon repair or transfer, correction of finger deformities and operations on the hand and wrist joints. In some patients, plasty or replacement of selected hand joints is also performed to improve their positioning and function.
The aim of surgery is not to cure RA itself, but to improve hand function, reduce pain and enable daily activities to be carried out with greater ease.
Diagnostics and qualification at OpenMed
The process begins with an orthopaedic consultation. Our doctors assess the range of motion of the hand and fingers, grip strength, presence of deformities and the degree of functional limitation. Results of imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging are also analysed, together with the previous course of rheumatological treatment.
During the visit, available management options are discussed. In many cases, further conservative treatment or rehabilitation is possible. If there are indications for surgical treatment, the patient receives detailed information about the purpose of the procedure, expected outcomes and the recovery process.
Rehabilitation after hand surgery at OpenMed
Rehabilitation is an integral part of surgical treatment of the hand in RA patients. It includes exercises that improve range of motion, strengthen muscles and teach correct functional patterns of the hand. Properly conducted therapy helps regain function and consolidate the results of surgical treatment.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and notice progressing hand deformities, weakening of grip or difficulties performing daily activities, book a consultation at OpenMed Warsaw or OpenMed Płock. Our specialists will help assess the condition of the hand and plan further treatment.
FAQ - Hand surgery in RA
No. Many changes can be controlled with pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation. The decision about surgery depends on the degree of tissue damage and the impact of symptoms on daily functioning.
The most common are synovectomy, tenosynovectomy, tendon reconstructions and corrective procedures on the hand and wrist joints.
No. The procedure does not eliminate the underlying disease but can reduce pain, improve hand function and limit the consequences of damage caused by RA.
The duration of rehabilitation depends on the type of procedure and the extent of the changes. It can range from several weeks to several months.
It is worth booking a visit if finger deformities, difficulties gripping objects, weakening of hand strength or persistent pain despite rheumatological treatment appear.