Brief Answer:
Need electrical testing

Detailed Answer:
Good morning and sorry for the problems in your hands.

Although the differential list of potential problems could be even more than a few items the most likely and most commonly diagnosed entity with this type of presentation turns out to be CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME which is the compression of the median nerve in both of your wrists which explains both the pain as well as the other symptoms of puffiness, swelling, and also motor symptoms.

I understand you say that the doctor believes the symptoms are trivial and the "case is closed" but did he run the typical tests for NEUROPATHY that I run on my patients? Did he schedule you to see a neurologist for a good neurological exam of the hands to determine whether or not there are signs of median nerve compression and did he talk to you about running any type of electrical studies such as an EMG (electromyogram) and NCV (nerve conduction study)?

If only some or none of these were done then, in my opinion there is still work to do. In fact, I would probably also consider some imaging studies of the neck using both PLAIN FILMS as well as an MRI....depending perhaps upon laboratory results first since treatable forms of neuropathy such as Vit. B12, D, and folate deficiencies can definitely make a difference in how you feel if they are low. As well, thyroid function tests such as a TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3, and TT3 may also be worthwhile getting and a HbA1C (checking for diabetes) just to check on things though it is a little less likely that correction of a hyper or hypothyroid state or even a diabetic state will significantly impact your complaints....but all the same I include it as part of a good checkup for cases of neuropathy.

One other thing I would do for the short run until all these tests and consults get done is get you a pair of wrist braces for support that wrap around the forearms and I have you use them while asleep only at this point.

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This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

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