Rheumatoid arthritis and joint replacement

A surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and places artificial components designed to restore movement and reduce pain. Replacement is not a first step for every person with RA. The decision considers joint damage, pain, walking or hand use, sleep, general health, inflammation control, and the results of non-surgical care. Knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints may be assessed individually.

RA can affect several joints, so a replacement plan also considers the rest of your mobility and how you will manage daily tasks during recovery. Medication planning is part of the surgical discussion.

Ask for an assessment if pain and stiffness make ordinary activities difficult or if the joint feels unstable. Bring details of previous medicines, injections, operations, allergies, and any infection history. Before surgery, your team may review medicines that affect immunity or bleeding, check other health conditions, and plan physiotherapy. Strengthening suitable muscles and arranging help at home can support the recovery period.

Seek review for steadily worsening pain, reduced function, repeated swelling, or a joint that prevents safe walking or self-care. After an operation, urgent assessment is needed for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, sudden calf swelling, chest pain, or new breathing difficulty. Follow the surgical team’s wound and activity instructions while arranging help.

Ask what damage is visible, what benefit surgery is expected to provide, how RA medicines will be managed, what physiotherapy is planned, and which warning signs need urgent review.