Suggest Treatment For Pain And Swelling In The Finger Joints

Posted on Sat, 29 Oct 2016

Question: Hi, I have suffered from painful and swollen joints in my fingers since I was in my early 30's. It wasn't severe at the time, but manifested as tenderness and redness at the backs of joints of thumbs and several other fingers. This recurred from time to time. I am now 68 and I am suffering from very swollen and painful knees, wear and tear in my lower spine, very painful feet, wrists and hips. I am sure I have osteo-arthritis, but am now wondering if I also have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years. at present I suffer with a lot of pain. My Dr just gave me Ibuprofen and paracetamol! I have had a nursing career, which has not helped my coditions. Please advise
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Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post connective tissue disorder? Requires confirmation

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam

I can certainly understand your concern.

I have worked through query in detail.

You possibly seem to have autoimmune connective tissue disorder.This can manifest as generalized joint pains.

I advise you to get a complete ANA profile.

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol alone doesn't work.

You may require long-term corticosteroid and immunomodulatory agents to improve symptoms in your case.

Further management is largely based on your ANA profile.

Get it tested and update me with the test results for further appropriate medications.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng