Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Why The Hand Become Swollen After A Meth Shot Up?
My friend just called saying that he shot up meth last week and the arm he shot up in is painfully swollen and he can't use his hand. I told him to go to the hospital right away but he wants to wait and see if it will go away. How serious is this? Should I try to force him to the hospital?
Thu, 11 Sep 2014
Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question...
From the symptoms you have described, your friend appears to be having a "venous thrombosis / thrombo-phlebitis" (i.e. blockage and inflammation of the vein) along with an inflammation / infection of the underlying tissues ("cellulitis").
There are two important things to be worried about here. One is that, there is a risk of a severe infection spreading to the entire arm. Another is that since this is in the stream of blood flow, the blood clot or infection can rapidly spread to the the lungs or heart, leading on to potentially dangerous consequences. Therefore, if treatment is taken quickly, it will save him a lot of trouble later on. Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics and local measures to reduce the swelling. So, I would strongly recommend that you ask your friend to get his arm examined by a doctor and take proper medical treatment. So, please convince him to seek medical attention at the earliest.
Wish you all the best.
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
From the symptoms you have described, your friend appears to be having a "venous thrombosis / thrombo-phlebitis" (i.e. blockage and inflammation of the vein) along with an inflammation / infection of the underlying tissues ("cellulitis").
There are two important things to be worried about here. One is that, there is a risk of a severe infection spreading to the entire arm. Another is that since this is in the stream of blood flow, the blood clot or infection can rapidly spread to the the lungs or heart, leading on to potentially dangerous consequences. Therefore, if treatment is taken quickly, it will save him a lot of trouble later on. Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics and local measures to reduce the swelling. So, I would strongly recommend that you ask your friend to get his arm examined by a doctor and take proper medical treatment. So, please convince him to seek medical attention at the earliest.
Wish you all the best.
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Methamphetamine
Loading Online Doctors....