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Occupational Health & Safety (Expert Forum)
Father's Problem: Fingers and Hands
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding Occupational Health & Safety questions pertaining to: Blood Borne Exposures (Needle sticks), Chemical Safety-Spills-Exposure, Confined Spaces, Corporate Planning, Ergonomics, Fire Safety-Exposure, Industrial Hygiene, Hazard Communication, Hazardous Material Handling and Shipping, Health and Productivity Management, Indoor Air Quality, Injuries in the workplace, Noise-induced hearing loss, Nanotechnology and your health, Occupational Asthma, Pandemic Influenza (“FLU”), Personal Protective Equipment, Risk Communication, Safe Lifting Techniques, Workers compensation
Father's Problem: Fingers and Hands
by michhix, Apr 06, 2008 10:23AM
Not sure if you can help or point me in the right direction.
My father received acupuncture in Oct - Nov 07. After his third week of treatment, his right index finger became extremely swolen, about 2 - 3 times the size. Painful to the tough, couldn't bend it. He spend 5 days in the hospital, treated for gout and given antibiotics. After the antiobiotics ran out, the swelling returned, only to now move into the rest of his hand. He experiences numbness in all fingers, (both sides), muscle weakness, can't open jars, hold utensils, etc. Although he has had carpal tunnel surgery (both sides) over 20 years ago, he is retired and finds his symptoms getting worse at a very fast rate. We've been to 4 doctors and still can't get a final answer. His Rheumatoid levels were slightly elevated as well as white blood cell count, but I have a feeling it might be a nerve related disease. His feet are find, no diabetes. Any ideas?
My father received acupuncture in Oct - Nov 07. After his third week of treatment, his right index finger became extremely swolen, about 2 - 3 times the size. Painful to the tough, couldn't bend it. He spend 5 days in the hospital, treated for gout and given antibiotics. After the antiobiotics ran out, the swelling returned, only to now move into the rest of his hand. He experiences numbness in all fingers, (both sides), muscle weakness, can't open jars, hold utensils, etc. Although he has had carpal tunnel surgery (both sides) over 20 years ago, he is retired and finds his symptoms getting worse at a very fast rate. We've been to 4 doctors and still can't get a final answer. His Rheumatoid levels were slightly elevated as well as white blood cell count, but I have a feeling it might be a nerve related disease. His feet are find, no diabetes. Any ideas?
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Apr 07, 2008 12:52PM
, Apr 07, 2008 12:52PM
To: michhix
Hello,
Why was your father receiving acupuncture therapy? Where were the needles being applied?
What are your father's current symptoms? Pain? Swelling? Just one finger?
Does he have a diagnosis of Gout?
What makes you think that the problem is a "nerve related disease"?
What did your father do as an occupation when he was working? Does he have any hobbies currently?
What do the four doctors tell you or your father regarding a working diagnosis?
And, what medications are currently being used to treat your father's symptoms?
Sorry to reply with questions to your questions; however with some additional information, I will try to comment on your original questions.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Why was your father receiving acupuncture therapy? Where were the needles being applied?
What are your father's current symptoms? Pain? Swelling? Just one finger?
Does he have a diagnosis of Gout?
What makes you think that the problem is a "nerve related disease"?
What did your father do as an occupation when he was working? Does he have any hobbies currently?
What do the four doctors tell you or your father regarding a working diagnosis?
And, what medications are currently being used to treat your father's symptoms?
Sorry to reply with questions to your questions; however with some additional information, I will try to comment on your original questions.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Accupuncture: numbness in hands, carpal tunnel, alternative therapy.
Needles: Elbow down to hand.
Current symptoms: swelling, mostly index finger, sometimes hand
Nerve related disease? Muscle twitching in right bicept area, he is not aware of it
Spinal issues, read via MRI's.
Occupation: Carpenter, lots of years of swinging a hammer.
Hobbies: used to fish, now he can't hold a pole or feel the line.
Meds: COPD related meds and heart related meds.
We are headed to a rheumatoid arthritis specialist and neurological surgeon on the advise of the neurologist.
Thanks for your help.