Does RA and neuropathy cause slow healing?

It could cause slower healing due to poor control of vascular system feeding joints with blood flow and oxygen/nutrients. Your body needs to go through phases to create new bone and properly fuse. Has your doctor/surgeon suggested doing anything differently before and after surgery to help with healing? Do you need to restrict weight bearing activity and did they recommend physical therapy? Do you have osteoporosis? Do you have any vitamin/mineral deficiencies?

Your RA and autoimmune issues may attack your joint and disrupt the inflammation and new bone formation. What material has been used in your joints? My own bone was used for spinal fusions (they took overgrowth of bone in other locations to grind down to create a “cement “ for my joint fusions to help with my body accepting the new joint material. I have heard that those who may have had cadaver bone used have rejections and failed fusions.

I have had them use cadaver bone in my fusion with no issues. Better circulation means better healing. Do you have slow veins as my podiatrist calls them? Injuries on my hands or arms heal faster than those on my lower legs.

My small fiber neuropathy causes my circulation to be slower. I also do not get enough exercise so circulation is not the best.

Exercise is recommended for circulation, but tough to do a useful amount when you're really limited even in how much walking you can do. I have CVI Chronic Venous Insufficiency.