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Suggest Treatment For Stiff Swollen Knuckles

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Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014
Question: I have been having episodes of stiff swollen knuckles over the last two months. all knuckles on both hands at same time with no pain. it's usually on Warmer humid days. is it the weather or something more serious
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
? Cause

Detailed Answer:
Good evening mam.

Well the stiff swollen knuckles are usually a sign of arthritis. It is surprising that you dont have any pains yet, but since these joints are not the ones which are needed for most of the work, they dont usually cause pain. you can ask your husband to press them and see whether any pain appears. Also, since it has been only 2 months, there is a chance that this is an early disease.

Do let me know some of these queries:

1.Are you experiencing any other joints pains as well

2. How do u feel in the mornings: Is the stiffness more or you feel better

3. ANy family history of joint pains

4. How about any skin tightning over the knuckles or bluish changes over fingers on exposure to cold??

5. Any skin complaints??

6. Lastly, any history of oral ulcers or dry mouth or dry eyes

Do let me know these answers. It will help to guide you further//

Hope the information was useful

Take care

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (31 minutes later)
the swelling comes and goes. generally in the afternoon with nothing in the am. I do get numbness in in fingers and toes when exposed to cold but only two or three digits. never with color change or akin tightening. a neurologist feels it was atypical reynauds perhaps. no pain when pressed on. no other joints are swollen or stiff. no family history of arthritis or joint issues. no other skin complaints or symptoms. no history or oral ulcers or dry mouth or eyes. the first time was in Yosemite n I thought it was from the elevation. does arthritis always occur in all digits at once?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
? Cause

Detailed Answer:
Good evening mam.

Arthritis has many variants. Yes, the rheumatoid one can affect all the joints at the same time. There are many other forms as well which do not affect the same joints at the same time. That is why Rheumatoid Arthritis is called a symmetrical one. Also there are some variants of arthritis, which are intermittent, that is the swelling, pain and stiffness come and disappear themselves.
Since you have an associated raynauds, it is always worth while to rule out any other associated autoimmune cause

What i will suggest it , to consult a Rheumatologist near your house, especially on the days you are witnessing a swelling and experiencing the stiffness. It will give them a better clue on what the condition is. I can suggest you few tests, but it is always better for a rheumatologist to document the synovitis( inflammation of joints) and approach accordingly.

Hope the information was useful. Feel free to ask me for more queries

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Stiff Swollen Knuckles

Brief Answer: ? Cause Detailed Answer: Good evening mam. Well the stiff swollen knuckles are usually a sign of arthritis. It is surprising that you dont have any pains yet, but since these joints are not the ones which are needed for most of the work, they dont usually cause pain. you can ask your husband to press them and see whether any pain appears. Also, since it has been only 2 months, there is a chance that this is an early disease. Do let me know some of these queries: 1.Are you experiencing any other joints pains as well 2. How do u feel in the mornings: Is the stiffness more or you feel better 3. ANy family history of joint pains 4. How about any skin tightning over the knuckles or bluish changes over fingers on exposure to cold?? 5. Any skin complaints?? 6. Lastly, any history of oral ulcers or dry mouth or dry eyes Do let me know these answers. It will help to guide you further// Hope the information was useful Take care Regards