What could cause swelling in both hands on an older man?!
Question:
What could cause swelling in both hands on an older man?
They have been swollen for two weeks, and are painful. He now has trouble holding things. The doctor prescribed Naprosyn, but this medicine has too many side effects and counteracts other medicines he should be on (regulating blood pressure and diabetes).
Answers:
One of my patients had severe swelling in both hands, his turned out to be gout. Other common problems include rheumatoid arthritis and fluid retention. A doctor is your best bet, although clearly not the one you went to originally. Remember, he is the patient, and he needs to be satisfied. Doctors are not god, they play a very well educated guessing game based on test results and prior exposure to particular conditions and symptoms in patients. If you're hesitant to go back to the doctor, go to your local chemist first and see what they think, although speak to the chemist directly, not to a sales person. Good luck.