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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In The Hands And Legs?

My 72 yr old father is on antibiotics and inhalers for bronchitis. He is a smoker and very sedentary. He now has swelling of the wrists, hands, knees, ankles and feet. He just now noticed big red patches, like bruises on back of both calves. We called his doctor and she said it would not be a reaction to any medication and to take water pills. What?
Fri, 23 Feb 2018
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Swelling of wrists, hands, knees, ankles is seen in different conditions. The underlying cause of swelling may be rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis or infective arthritis.

Arthritis means inflammation of joints which leads to swelling of joints and surrounding area. We can differentiate the cause only to some extent depending on symptoms.

To differentiate the exact cause you have to go for the following investigations:
1. Complete blood picture
2. ESR
3. C-Reactive protein for infective arthritis
4. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) for rheumatoid arthritis
5. X-ray joints for identifying osteoarthritis

Coming to treatment part follow as per below general guidelines:
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen drug)
2. Diuretics
3. Antibiotics
4. Joint exercise

Specific treatment depends on type of arthritis. So, go for investigations as soon as possible for avoiding complications.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Vamsi Krishna Chittimoju
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What Causes Swelling In The Hands And Legs?

Hello, Swelling of wrists, hands, knees, ankles is seen in different conditions. The underlying cause of swelling may be rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis or infective arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of joints which leads to swelling of joints and surrounding area. We can differentiate the cause only to some extent depending on symptoms. To differentiate the exact cause you have to go for the following investigations: 1. Complete blood picture 2. ESR 3. C-Reactive protein for infective arthritis 4. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) for rheumatoid arthritis 5. X-ray joints for identifying osteoarthritis Coming to treatment part follow as per below general guidelines: 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen drug) 2. Diuretics 3. Antibiotics 4. Joint exercise Specific treatment depends on type of arthritis. So, go for investigations as soon as possible for avoiding complications. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Vamsi Krishna Chittimoju