Question
Hi Rusty.  A few days ago, I slightly injured a finger on my hand.  Now my hand is swelling with severe joint pain in the fingers.  At first I thought this was a possible sprain in that region, but now my other hand is showing the same swelling of the fingers and pain of the joints.  Should I go check this out right away?  It doesn't seem to be getting worse today, but the pain and swelling are persistent.  Could this be a sudden arthritis attack?  I'm 38 years old and in good health (I just had a check-up at the doctor last week and the blood work came back okay).

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Patrica,

Ouch, a little sprain is not supposed to do that. Unfortunately some times it does. I am sorry to hear about this. It is not unusual for arthritis to begin in an effected joint. It is not the norm for it to set in so quickly. There are different kinds of arthritis that can effect the hands and feet that can cause swelling. It is possible that arthritis was already beginning but not showing symptoms yet but this triggered a symptomatic response.

I am concerned that the pain is bilateral, effecting both sides. I doubt it is anything extremely serious but it would be good to see your doctor. The sooner the better. If nothing else, your doctor will be able to treat the pain and swelling. But if it is arthritis or one of the other conditions that can cause this type of swelling in the fingers the earlier the diagnosis the better.

I wish you good health.

Rusty