Arthritis treatment at the PHX Plastic Surgery may include:

• Steroid injections
• Splints
• Therapeutic exercise
• Surgery

If nonsurgical treatment fails to give relief, surgery is usually discussed. There are many surgical options. The chosen course of surgical treatment should be one that has a reasonable chance of providing long-term pain relief and return to function. Dr. Jason D. Johnson will evaluate your specific needs.

After any type of joint reconstruction surgery, there is a period of recovery. You may need to use a postoperative splint or cast for a while after surgery. This helps protect the hand while it heals.

During this postoperative period, you may need to modify activities to allow the joint reconstruction to heal properly. Typically, pain medication you take by mouth is also used to reduce discomfort. It is important to discuss your pain with your doctor so it can be adequately treated.

Length of recovery time varies widely and depends on the extent of the surgery performed and multiple individual factors. However, people usually can return to most if not all of their desired activities in about three months after most major joint reconstructions.