A reader asks: My wife's right and left fingers and joints are swollen for the last one year. We are using vitamin-D capsules/tablets etc.
Could you tell me the reasons for this swelling and any effective treatment. She is 58-years old.
Dr Salman Farrukh Hameed, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, replies: Your wife’s both hands (metacarpophalageal joints and proximal interphalageal joints) are affected. The most likely diagnosis would be either an inflammatory joint condition or osteoarthritis.
She must visit a orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist. She need to be examined thoroughly. Tests need to be conducted in order to rule out osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus or non-specific arthropathy etc.
The investigations may include X-Rays of both hands and Pelvic sacroiliac joints and certain blood investigations like R A factor, ANA profile, Anti CCP, ESR, CRP and full blood count to start with.
Treatments are available either medically or surgically to improve her condition. The most important factor is correct diagnosis and early start of treatment.
Disclaimer: This blog is a conversation and is not an alternative for treatment. The recommendations and suggestions offered by our panel of doctors are their own and Gulf News will not take any responsibility for the advice they provide.
