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What Causes Painful Swollen Stiff Hands?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Question: Both of my hands have been painful swollen and stiff for the past few weeks. I have arthritis, but this is something that came on suddenly and does not seem to get better. The only time my hands feel normal is when they are in hot water.
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Have you been evaluated for rheumatoid arthritis?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this swollen, painful and stiff hands. I can only imagine how difficult it gets to keep life going while battling with this condition that involves your hands.

The symmetric nature of this pain and the description makes me to question whether they could have been caused by rheumatoid arthritis. I will suggest that you get a rheumatologist to evaluate this fully. This will need a compete clinical exam and basic tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ANA dosage, rheumatoid factor and Xrays. Depending on the initial findings, a plan would be established to follow up and address the exact problems.

In all, this could be rheumatoid arthritis that requires more than pain medications for adequate control. I will recommend that you see a rheumatologist for evaluation and management. Please, you may want to read more on this condition from a trusted site. return with more questions for me to address.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/symptoms/con-0000?p=1

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications should need be.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes Painful Swollen Stiff Hands?

Brief Answer: Have you been evaluated for rheumatoid arthritis? Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this swollen, painful and stiff hands. I can only imagine how difficult it gets to keep life going while battling with this condition that involves your hands. The symmetric nature of this pain and the description makes me to question whether they could have been caused by rheumatoid arthritis. I will suggest that you get a rheumatologist to evaluate this fully. This will need a compete clinical exam and basic tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ANA dosage, rheumatoid factor and Xrays. Depending on the initial findings, a plan would be established to follow up and address the exact problems. In all, this could be rheumatoid arthritis that requires more than pain medications for adequate control. I will recommend that you see a rheumatologist for evaluation and management. Please, you may want to read more on this condition from a trusted site. return with more questions for me to address. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/symptoms/con-0000?p=1 I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications should need be.