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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Painfully Swollen Hands Despite Taking Prednisone?

Hello, My husband has been dealing with pain and swelling in his arms and hand, even up into his shoulders since the beginning of August. He had blood work to rule out RA with an RF study, ANA screen/titer, hepatitis C antibody, c-reactive protein, sed rate, uric acid and basic blood work and they showed negative for RA, lupus or gout. But it they did show an increase in inflammatory markers. He has taken Prednisone and Relafen which didn t help at all. He is in constant pain and is cold all the time. He finally got an appointment with an RA doctor because his current physician took all this time to get it done but its still a week away and I m worried something is becoming seriously wrong.
Mon, 6 May 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello

The swollen hands if negative for RA then could be due to possible:
- nerve damage
- problems with local circulation (perhaps due to any recent trauma)

or even allergy issues or problems with liver/kidneys/heart should consider as this has been going on for this long.

Keep his arm raised to help blood circulation.
Prednisone might fight inflammation but sometimes can cause further edema.

I think if your husband is getting worse, should send to ER. Otherwise wait for the appointment with RA doctor.

All the best. Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana Sejdini
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What Causes Painfully Swollen Hands Despite Taking Prednisone?

Hello The swollen hands if negative for RA then could be due to possible: - nerve damage - problems with local circulation (perhaps due to any recent trauma) or even allergy issues or problems with liver/kidneys/heart should consider as this has been going on for this long. Keep his arm raised to help blood circulation. Prednisone might fight inflammation but sometimes can cause further edema. I think if your husband is getting worse, should send to ER. Otherwise wait for the appointment with RA doctor. All the best. Wish fast recovery. Dr.Albana Sejdini