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Hands Hurts And Noticed Swelling In Fingers. Looks Like Lump. What Could This Be?

Posted on Sun, 28 Oct 2012

Question: My hands hurt and my fingers have been swelling over the past two weeks. The swelling is mostly between my knuckles and my middle finger joints. Almost like lumps. Some lumps actually appear to be 'taller' than the knuckles themselves at this point. I am alarmed. What could this be? Here is a picture: WWW.WWWW.WW

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (48 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query and uploading the image. I have taken a good look at it.

This could most probably be rheumatoid arthritis of hand.

I would also like to know whether early morning stiffness is present and persists for more than 30 minutes.

To confirm the diagnosis get autoantibody test like anticyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody done.

Hope I answered your query. Let me know if you have more query.

Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (9 hours later)

I often wake up with stiffness in my hips, knees and ankles but am able to walk it off in about 5 minutes. my elbows also catch, lock and pop frequently and since my hands started swelling the elbow symptoms have worsened

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (6 hours later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing back to us.

Your symptoms are very much suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. After confirming the diagnosis, with a few tests, you have to be started on medication called disease modifying anti rheumatoid drugs(DMARD) alone or in combination with biologicals (Immunomodulators). Since these are prescription drugs and regular follow up would be required, it would be best if you see your general physician for the same.

You also need regular exercises to preserve joint mobility and maintain muscle strength.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have any more concerns.

Wishing you good health

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. Aparna Kohli