About Karen Brawner Expertise I can answer questions regarding osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I can also answer questions regarding other autoimmune diseases of which rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
Experience I have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and I myself suffer from osteoarthritis. I also suffer from systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome which are also autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.)
Expert: Karen Brawner Date: 9/20/2004 Subject: Swelling of hands and feet
Question The past few mornings I have waken up and done nothing out of the ordinary, but my hands and feet will get this awful itching sensation, and start swelling. I noticed a blister like formation on one of my toes this past time. I haven't taken any drugs or eaten anything out of the ordinary to give myself an allergic reaction. I was just wondering if you knew anything about these symptoms? Thanks.
Answer Dear Stephen, THis sounds like it could be an autoimmune disease and you need to have some blood work done to start the process of diagnosing your problem.... It would be a good idea to start with basic blood work like White blood cell count with differential, liver function blood work, kidney function blood work, an "ANA" blood test to check for possible autoimmune disease and what ever these tests say, will determine the next set of blood work needed....
