Lyme testing may be appropriate

January 2, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I suddenly developed a very painful right wrist (I’m left handed) a few months ago. X-rays showed nothing unusual. I was given prescription strength ibuprofen and hydrocodone for pain (which didn’t help) and instructions to see my primary doctor in a few days. By the time I saw my doctor, the right wrist pain was gone but it had moved to my left hand. Over the next five weeks, the pain moved from one wrist to the other nine times. My primary doctor said I might be developing rheumatoid arthritis but the RA titer was normal.

To the best of my knowledge I have not been bitten by anything, not had any illness immediately prior, been scratched by anything, nor had I added any new vitamins or supplements.
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Occupational therapists treat carpal tunnel

May 18, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in regards to your answer to the 74-year-old woman with carpal tunnel. Please don’t discount occupational therapy as a valid treatment option. Therapists are educated and trained in the treatment of the upper extremities as well as management of pain and restoration of function for daily tasks. We would have provided this woman with modalities, stretches, custom splints and effective home programs. Each patient gets a custom-designed plan of care. Please let your readers know about occupational therapists.

DEAR READER: Not everyone is aware of what an occupational therapist (OT) actually does, so I will explain. OTs work with a variety of people of all ages with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disorders. Their goal is to help patients improve [Read more...]

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