Sore swollen fingers and hand. Heat or cold?

[flobadob]

I've been suffering this for months and it is getting progressively worse. I've taken ibruprofen and diclofenac sodium at different times to no avail so now I need an operation I think. I'm pretty sure that tendons are the cause. I may try a sports injury masseuse first though.

However for now does anyone know if applying cold or heat may help or hinder the situation?

[boxtops]

I think you need to see the doc, it could be your joints and medication could really help. Have you tried that (before you spend money on sports medicine)? - why diagnose yourself when it could be something else treatable?

[flobadob]

Seen an orthopediec specialist at the start of December, it was him who prescribed the diclofenac and made out to me that they would sort it but it had no effect at all. Annoying enough as he'd gotten my hopes up somewhat.

[Sqad]

Orthopaedic surgeon is the wrong choice.

Ask your GP to refer you to a Rheumatolgist.

[flobadob]

Sqad, it was my GP who referred me to orthopedic guy. It's actually starting to get really annoying as I feel like I'm paying money for a load of guesswork.

[Sqad]

flob....I know....but in my opinion he sent you to the wrong specialist.

[flobadob]

I believe you, I know you know what you are talking about. But doctors have a way of making you feel yay high if you dare question their methods.

[woofgang]

I am with sqad that sounds rheumatological to me. Don't go to a masseuse. Go back to the doc!

[Eve]

Have you had xrays or any other reason to refer to ortho rather than rhumo?

Have they hinted at what they think it could be? Arthritis, RSI etc...

Out of interest, what do you do for a living?

I find cool helps my arthritis better than heat and my ex who had RSI used to use ice packs and Biofreeze on his hands.

We also both found seeing an osteopath a great help.