I have Raynaud's and the typical sores on my hands, but what bothers me the most is my swollen hands. Help.

Question

I would like some feedback on what others have found to be helpful with the results of Raynaud's like the swelling in the hands and feet. My finger tips are a bit sore but not very painful. What really bothers me is the swelling. Any advise?

Answer 1

You really should see a rheumatologist or an internist/primary care physician regarding the feeling you are getting in your fingers. Raynaud's has a classic presentation associated with color change of your hands (or toes) in response to cold (red->white->blue); however, you should not have these symptoms on a regular basis. Also, the symptoms that are classic of Raynaud's are pins and needles sensation and burning sensations; swelling in your hands and feet may be the result of another type of arthritis or other disease process (ex, thyroid disease, kidney disease, etc).

If you are in fact diagnosed with Raynaud's, there are medications that can help. The pain and color change of Raynauds are a result of the veins and arteries going into spasm. Medications such as calcium-channel blockers (Amlodipine/Norvasc, etc) can be used to prevent these spasms.

Finally, Raynaud's is often the constellation of a larger syndrome. For example, Raynaud's phenomenon can be part of CREST syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism...all of which need to be investigated and then followed because they are associated with long-term complications much worse than just painful fingers.

Answer 2

First things first.

Have you seen a rheumatologist? If so, what were you told? If not, why not, as Raynaud's is a form of arthritis.

Of course you want answers, but you really should be getting them from the best source around. Further, having one type or arthritis doesn't prevent you from developing another type or types, nor does it prevent you from developing other illnesses as well.

You might get some help by being assessed by an occupational therapist, but it does help to be fully diagnosed first. That's the only way for you to begin working with the whole of your health care team to find the optimal, for you and for now, combination of management modalities.

Answer 3

have you been tested for hepatitis c? this is a common issue with us.

many go undiagnosed because the doctors do not look past the liver panel test when the alt and ast levels appear within normal limits-however, with HCV infection, this doesn't have to be elevated to find you have HCV. get tested. chances are you have at least one risk factor!

good luck!