Give a cortisone shot into sore joints. This can be very helpful in controlling pain and swelling. Perform surgery to reconstruct or fuse the involved joints. There are two types of surgery commonly performed for joints affected by arthritis, fusion and arthroplasty . Surgery is a consideration when all else has failed.
Fusion can be very helpful for joints which are stiff and painful, awkwardly crooked, or unstable.
Fusion also can reduce the size of an enlarged joint, although this alone is not usually reason enough for surgery. Arthroplasty, or joint reconstruction, in osteoarthritis is most often performed for thumb basal joint arthritis . Artificial joints have been developed for the small joints of the fingers, but they are not for everyone, and must be used with discretion. Many people with mild symptoms will improve with a limited period of anti-inflammatory medication and avoiding painful activities. A cortisone shot into the sore area helps most people - at least temporarily.