What could cause swelling in both hands on an older man?

Question

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).

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

If this other medicine is acting against the ones he's already on for diabetes, then he shouldn't take it. And I would think that the prescribing doctor would try to find some alternative.

My grandfather had such swelling. And he also had trouble with his blood, and his blood pressure. And diabetes has appeared in his family.

Are his legs and feet also trying to swell? It could be water retention.

In any case, the gentleman in question needs to see a knowledgeable doctor about this problem- and soon. Don't forget to include a medical history, a list of his medicines, and another of questions.

Good luck!

Answer 3

When I get swollen ankles, it's a sure sign that my blood pressure is higher than it should be. Sometimes this is accompanied by severe headaches but it does nt occur too often now because I am on medication to keep the blood pressure under control. So, your chappie should have his blodd pressure checked straightway and follow what the doctor tells him. Being a bloke, he won't go. Too bad. It is going to kill him if he doesn't.

Answer 4

naprosyn is a non steroidal anti-inflamatory drug...basically it stops swelling/inflamation. He could also use celebrex. Advil & motrin pretty much do the same. it could be rheumatoid arthritis in which case its gonna hurt and swell, it can come on suddenly and he will need to get further tests to determine if it is.