Featuring Dr. Nancy Van Laeken, MD, FRCSC, Plastic Surgeon
Duration: 2 minutes

Arthritis is the term used to describe the degeneration of joints and it can be due to several different ideologies. Sometimes it is just overuse. 

The joints are worn out and other times it is related to different systemic diseases. The most common, which is rheumatoid arthritis. When the joints become disfigured, when they are stiff and painful there are surgical procedures that can be performed to improve the function of the joint. The emphasis is on function not on the esthetic appearance. 

The joints can be fused to control pain. They can be replaced to improve the movement of the joint and allow the patient to be more functional. This is not just a condition of old age. It can start at anytime and there are some patients in their teens that require surgeries to allow them to function more normally. 

So any patient who is experiencing any joint related condition that they think and know is hampering their quality of life, their ability to function, or seek employment should be seen by a plastic surgeon or hand surgeon to have an assessment and possible recommendation about what can be done to improve the situation. This referral can be made through your family physician.