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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Hand Surgery for Arthritis

Get more information about types of hand surgeries that are used in rare cases to treat arthritis in finger joints to relieve pain and repair damage.

Arthritis can take a heavy toll on hands, causing pain, deformity and disability. Yet surgery to repair the damage from hand arthritis is relatively rare. One reason is that finger surgery has a high complication and failure rate. It can also sacrifice mobility for pain relief. The two main surgical options for hand arthritis are fusion (arthrodesis) and total knuckle replacement (arthroplasty).  

Types of Hand Surgery 

Arthrodesis involves fusing the bones of the joint together, creating a stronger, more stable and essentially pain-free knuckle, but one with little flexibility or movement.  

Arthroplasty involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve pain and restore shape and some function in the hand. However, the results are usually less satisfactory than with hip and knee replacements. One problem is that hinged finger implants don't fully replicate normal finger motion. Most are made from silicone rubber, which is flexible but breaks and slips easily. Some studies have found that up to 30 percent of silicone implants fail within 10 years, making them a poor choice for younger patients. "Sometimes even the best artificial joint is not as good as a banged-up real joint, so you have to be very careful,” notes Jose Ortiz Jr., MD, a hand surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 

Whether arthrodesis or arthroplasty is used depends on the joint needing repair and on the patient's age, activity level and the amount of stiffness the patient can tolerate. It's not uncommon to have both procedures performed on different joints in the same hand. 

How Hand Surgeries Are Used for Joints 

Knuckles - Arthroplasty is almost always used to repair the knuckles at the base of the fingers, where flexibility and motion are crucial. These metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints – the largest in the hand – are critical to finger function but can be seriously damaged by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ideally, joint replacement eliminates pain and restores some mobility, but David Ruch, MD, chief of hand surgery with Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, says the outcome depends on the amount of healthy soft tissue a person has. "In many patients with longstanding rheumatoid disease, it's difficult to get enough soft tissue to reconstruct around the implant, which can lead to failure over time," he explains.  

Base of the Hand - Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints are the second from the base of the hand. They’re prone to stiffness and a significant loss of motion, usually as a result of osteoarthritis (OA). Replacement surgery is sometimes used to relieve these symptoms, especially in the middle and ring fingers, which need flexibility for gripping. Because these joints get heavy use, implants can wear out quickly. Dr. Ruch favors fusing most PIP joints because they tolerate stiffness better than joints closer to the hand and fusion is a reliable, life-long solution.  

Ends of the Fingers - Arthrodesis is commonly used to treat arthritis pain in the joints near the ends of the fingers, or the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. It usually results in a stable, pain-free and reasonably functional joint. The most serious complication is failure of the fused bones to grow together or properly align, which may require further surgery. Most people have good to excellent results. Mobility is one of the biggest failings of finger surgery. "[After surgery], there is some improvement in function because pain has been eliminated,” Dr. Ruch says. "But we don't see a dramatic improvement in motion or a return to activities that arthritis made impossible.” 

Joint Surgery
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Surgery Options for Ankle Arthritis

Joint Surgery

Surgery Options for Ankle Arthritis
Options for ankle surgery are less clear cut than other joints affected by arthritis. Get the facts on surgical procedures to repair and replace ankles with arthritis.
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Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

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Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

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Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

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Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

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Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

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Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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