Patients in Lafayette, LA, who suffer from arthritis turn to Darrell L. Henderson, MD for treatment which may include joint replacement surgery or other procedure to reduce pain and help restore function of the hand and wrist
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints. Left untreated, arthritis leads to tissue damage that requires treatment. Darrell L. Henderson, MD treats the following conditions:
Arthritis at the base of the thumb
Typical symptoms include pain in the thumb when gripping or pinching, aching and tenderness, swelling, limited motion, and the appearance of a protruding joint on the thumb. Surgery is recommended as a last course of treatment. The goal of the outpatient procedure is to reduce pain by fusing together bones in your thumb or removing and reshaping the bones for limited mobility.
Arthritis of the MP Joint
Patients with arthritis of the MP joint frequently experience pain and difficulty with activities that require the use of the hand, such as holding cups and opening jars. Additionally, patients may have a mild deformity of the hand where the fingers bend slightly toward the small finger of the hand. The goal of surgery is to correct arthritis in the large joints at the base of each finger, also known as the metacarpophalangeal joints. During corrective surgery for arthritis in the MP joint, the MP joints may be fused or replaced depending upon the progression of the disease. If replacement is deemed suitable, your surgeon will use implants to replicate the joint surface.
Osteoarthritis
You may have osteoarthritis if you have any of the following:
- Bony growths on certain joints of your fingers
- Stiffness when rising from rest
- General aches and pains in your joints when you move
- Discomfort after being inactive for a period of time
As with any arthritic condition, surgery for osteoarthritis is typically used as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. Surgery is designed to alleviate pain and improve joint motion. Surgical options include joint replacement, arthroscopy, hip resurfacing, arthrodesis, osteotomy, and small joint surgery. Your surgeon will determine which options are most suitable for your condition. Most osteoarthritis surgery is considered a major surgical procedure, so patients are encouraged to fully evaluate all of their options. Following the procedure, several months of physical therapy will also be required to restore full mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease of the immune system. Patients who are diagnosed with this condition often have symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and muscle pain. Controlling inflammation is a key factor in managing symptoms and pain. This can be done with prescription medications or biologics. Joint replacement surgery can also be an option especially for patients who have limited mobility due to joint pain.
What Does Treatment for Arthritis Cost?
We accept most insurance including workers’ comp. The total cost of your hand and wrist operation depends on several factors. After your consultation appointment, we give you a total cost that includes anesthesia, pre- and post-operative care, and other associated costs. We also offer financing through CareCredit®. To learn more call our office today.
Why Choose Darrell L. Henderson, MD
- We are the premier providers for reconstruction in Lafayette.
- Our team of surgical experts are highly qualified to perform a number of different reconstruction procedures.
- We offer a personalized and individualized treatment approach.
What to Expect During your Consultation
We believe exceptional patient care is a right, not a privilege. Several areas will be covered during your consultation, including:
- Your medical history
- Discussion of your concerns and goals
- Explanation of procedure and expected results
- Customized treatment plan(s)
- Applicable fees and financing information
Darrell L. Henderson, MD offers cosmetic treatments using the latest medical advances to patients in entire Acadiana region, including New Iberia, Abbeville, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Monroe. For your private consultation, contact our office today.
