What Causes Stiffness Of Hands And Joint Pain?

Posted on Fri, 15 Jan 2016

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

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had Achilles' tendon tightness in my right heel for about 1 year now and a little less in my left heel tendon. I am 68 yrs old man. In last 1-2 mo I have had increasing joint pain and stiffness in my hands and big toe. And in last mo. I wake up with severe burning in my right hand thumb and first two fingers. Are these things inter-related and can any thing be prescribed for this?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question.

I'm sorry you're experiencing progressive joint discomfort. These symptoms may be experienced in conditions such as arthritis (rheumatoid, osteo), general inflammatory or neurologic conditions. The burning sensation you describe sounds more inflammatory (eg gout) or neurologic in nature. Unfortunately it is impossible to definitively determine the exact cause of these symptoms (and if they are all related to one specific condition) without a proper physical examination. It would be very reasonable for you to schedule a visit with your primary care physicin for assessment and possible adjunct laboratory tests (bloodwork). It may be that these symptoms can possibly be managed by anti-inflammatory medication, mild diet changes, and/or targeted physical therapy (stretching, range of motion exercises).

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Dr Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T