What Is The Difference Between Arthritis In Hand And Neuropathy In Fingers?

Posted on Fri, 6 May 2016

Question: What is the difference between arthritis in hand and neoropathy in the fingers ?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Arthritis is disease of joints in hands and neuropathy is damaged nerves.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

The difference between the two is clear and defined-

Arthritis- is disease(inflammation) of small joints of hands-metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints.

while

Neuropathy- means 'disease of nerve'.It is damage of nerves supplying the muscles and sensations in hands.The nerves which supply hands are medial,ulnar and radial.So,neuropathy in hands may involve the damage to these nerves.

Hope this helps.If you want further clarifications on this,please be in follow-up with specific questions and I shall be glad to answer them.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (22 hours later)

Is it possible to have both conditions at once
What would be thr treatment for the situation

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.It is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Of course,it is possible to have both together.

Treatment depends on the cause of neuropathy.Sometimes,arthritis can be the cause of neuropathy.
However broadly, antineuralgic medicines(like pregabalin,duloxetine,amitriptyline) and methylcobalamin supplementation need to be given.

Hope it helps.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards,
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (5 hours later)

Why are the drugs recommended anti depressint or anti convulsants

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Both can be used.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Both the class of drugs can be used:
Antidepressants-Amitriptyline,Nortriptyline
Anticonvulsants-Pregabalin,Carbamazepine

Pregabalin and amitriptyline are commonly used.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (12 minutes later)

You do not answer the question of why are they used.
I do not need a anti - depressent or a anti convulsant
The side effect are worse that the condition i am dealing with

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
They are anti-neuralgic drugs as well.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Oh!I got your query.

Actually,Pregabalin and amitriptyline besides being anticonvulsant and antidepressant,respectively, are also first line antineuralgic medicines.Large scale human studies have shown them to be excellent medicines for management of neuropathic pain.
These medicines are approved in the formal guidelines for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

If you have some further queries or seek further clarification,please let me know and I shall be glad to response.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (17 minutes later)

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Pleasure.You are most welcome to get back to me if you ever have any query in future.

For now,please close the thread,rate it and write a review.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar