Hands numb & swollen

[Cat50]

For the past 8 months sister age 51 two hands have been numb & swollen. What should she do & what causes this?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The Current problem of swelling and numbness could be due to a recurrence of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Though a recurrence is rare, it will be a good decision to do an EMG and rule it out.

Recent research studies on the recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome have not been conclusive. But all the researchers do advise an EMG.

I hope she recovers from this. There have been cases where CTS has turned chronic. She will benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Regards

[Cat50]

Abhijeet Ceshmukh, MD
My sister does not have Diabetes. Yes there is a family history of Diabetes.
She had Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and the operation for it. The operation was successful.

When this first started having trouble with her hands she had amneia for 5 or 6 months and was put on B12 and iron pills. Then her Dr. stoped this. Now she still has two hands that are swollen and numb and her Dr. has no idea what is causing it or what to do for it.

[Cat50]

My sister does not have Diabetes. Yes there is a family history of Diabetes.
She had Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and the operation for it. The operation was successful.

When this first started having trouble with her hands she had amneia for 5 or 6 months and was put on B12 and iron pills. Then her Dr. stoped this. Now she still has two hands that are swollen and numb and her Dr. has no idea what is causing it or what to do for it.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There are two immediate causes that come to mind. One is diabetic neuropathy. And the other is carpel tunnel syndrome.

Does you sister have diabetes detected ? Is the there a family history ? If the blood sugar levels are not controlled well, neuropathy ensues and starts showing such symptoms.

She should consult a physician first, who can get her examined. A routine blood work is necessary.

Regards