What Causes Swelling And Redness In Left Thumb Joint?

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

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

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have swelling and redness in my joint of left thumb. It is tender to the touch and has restricted movement. I had similar problem on the back of my right hand a week ago that a PA at a walk in care thought my be cellulitis and put me on an antibiotic. The swelling and redness have gotten better on the right side. How can cellulitis start up on the other side while I am on an antibiotic ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be inflammation in the thumb

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that it can be cellulitis. It can be possible despite patient is on antibiotics. I would suggest you following.
1. You need to get your blood investigations, eg- WBC and CRP.
2. Continue taking antibiotics.
3.Check your blood sugar also as it can be cause of repeated infection.
I hope these steps will help you. Please send me your blood investigations report.This will help us in further management.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj