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When nonsurgical methods of arthritis treatment fail to relieve pain and other symptoms surgery may be the only option to relieve pain and discomfort.

There are a number of surgical procedures the patient and physician can discuss, including:

• Removing the diseased or damaged joint lining

• Realignment of the joints

• Fusing the ends of the bones in the joint together

• Replacing the entire joint

Read up on the various symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis