My joints frequently swell
Sep 16, 2007
FROM the symptoms you describe, you seem to have a recurrent inflammatory condition of the joints. This is called ‘arthritis’. There are different kinds of arthritis. Treatment depends on the problem you have.
Dear Dr,
I have a problem with my joints, especially in my knees and elbows. It started when I was very young. The joints swell, but the swelling goes down within a week. A ball-like structure appears and there is a lot of pain. The finger joints are sometimes affected and it comes at least once a month. I have been to doctors, but have had little help. What can I do?
Francis
Dear Francis,
FROM the symptoms you describe, you seem to have a recurrent inflammatory condition of the joints. This is called ‘arthritis’. There are different kinds of arthritis. Treatment depends on the problem you have.
I advise that you consult an orthopaedic surgeon (specialist in bones). Get a diagnosis and ask the doctor what to expect.
Some arthritis is a long-term problem for which we cannot do much. But we can decrease the pain and make you comfortable. Some can be cured. Your doctor will also tell you what to do to prevent the problem from occurring frequently.
Dr Paul Semugoma semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor, P.O.Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug
I have a problem with my joints, especially in my knees and elbows. It started when I was very young. The joints swell, but the swelling goes down within a week. A ball-like structure appears and there is a lot of pain. The finger joints are sometimes affected and it comes at least once a month. I have been to doctors, but have had little help. What can I do?
Francis
Dear Francis,
FROM the symptoms you describe, you seem to have a recurrent inflammatory condition of the joints. This is called ‘arthritis’. There are different kinds of arthritis. Treatment depends on the problem you have.
I advise that you consult an orthopaedic surgeon (specialist in bones). Get a diagnosis and ask the doctor what to expect.
Some arthritis is a long-term problem for which we cannot do much. But we can decrease the pain and make you comfortable. Some can be cured. Your doctor will also tell you what to do to prevent the problem from occurring frequently.
Dr Paul Semugoma semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor, P.O.Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug