For How Long Does Arthritis Swelling Last?

Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Dec 2015 Answered on

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : About how long can one expect inflammation of the hand (swelling) to last due to arthritis . I am male
74 yrs. Now swelling approaching 0ne week after ointments and pain medications. Any harm being done
just letting it go away on its own?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cannot be predicted.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir ,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that considering your age it seems that you are having osteoarthritis in finger joints and thus subsequent inflammation there . Generally it may take 15 days or more to settle but cannot be predicted . Also try hot fomentation of fingers that will relieve inflammation and calm down swelling .

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar