Please help - swelling, mainly in 1 hand only - Arthritis Message Board

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 08-13-2005, 10:06 PM

Hi everyone/anyone,

I need some help from you guys! My hands seem to swell sometimes at the wrist and 2 of the 3 rows of knuckles. The main swelling is between the knuckles where your fingers are attached to you hand. Today, my right hands knuckles are very swollen. My hand feels really tight and is the most swollen that it has every been. Do yall think it is my arthritis? Or could it be something else that is causing this, since it is mainly/only my right hand/fingers?

I had a medrol pack about 2-3 months ago - my fingers and hands and arms hurt really bad and were a little swollen. I know you cannot have but 2-3 of them a year (medrol). And my rheumatologist said to try to hold off til this fall/winter. But if my hand continues - or gets worse - to be this swollen and painful, I think I will call my rheumy on Mon.

Does anyone know of anything else that she can give me. Maybe some kind of shot in the hand that would help lessen the swelling and pain?!

I am on Tramadol and Skelaxin only (for this illness). I cannot take any anti-inflammatories. No aspirin and such. Only tylenol type products or strong pain meds.

Please give me some help, so I will not worry all day tomorrow!

Thanks and take care. Wannabe

Jovach51 · 08-14-2005, 07:51 AM

I have been having the same problem with my left hand. At first I thought I was just over using it. But now it seems to swell up with the slightlest thing that I do with that hand.

It is probably osteoarthritis in your hand since it is only the one hand. RA usually affects both sides of the body at the same time.

I too, am suppose to avoid NSAIDs and aspirin, since I get gastritis easily. I tried using a hand brace at night to keep pressure off when I am sleeping, but that is not helping anymore either. I take ultram and tylenol.

I am not due to see my rheumy until next month, but I think now I will have to try and get an earlier appointment.

Try not to worry, rest the hand as much as you can.

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 08-14-2005, 10:44 AM

Hi Jovach51,

I am sorry you are having almost the same problem I am. I thought it would be better this morning. Cause sometimes my hands hurt/swell if I do too much with them that day or the day b4. But it is the same or worse. Plus the left hand is kicking in some too.

Do you have RA or osteo? I do not know which I have, she just said that I have arthritis. My rheumy does not like to give meds that can be addictive. So, I guess I will call tomorrow and see what they say. That is if my hands and wrists still hurt and are still swollen. There is no way that I can do with out my hands everyday!

Thanks for the help. Take care and get some answers and help for yourself too.

Wannabe

Jovach51 · 08-14-2005, 12:17 PM

I have OA, which if your rheumy said that you just have arthritis, you can pretty much assume that you have OA too. Did your rheumy do blood tests to rule out RA; if not ask to be testing to relieve your mind. And yes, rehumys usually done like to prescribe pain meds with the exception of NSAIDS. My rheumy did reluctuantly give me Ultram (tramadol) and she always puts not refills without authorization to see how often I have to refill it. If I need anything stronger than ultram, I will make an appointment to see my primary, who doesn't believe someone should be in pain if she feels stronger medication is needed.

I also have arthritis in my knees and mild degeneration and bulge in L3-4 disc of my lower back.