Q: The problem is with my wife who gave birth to a second baby in Jan 2002. She has severe pain in her palms & fingers all the time. The intensity is maximum in the morning when she gets up. She cant even move fingers at that time. Can you advise?

A:The symptoms are very suspicious of possible rheumatoid arthritis, a serious type of arthritis of young ladies. Fortunately, modern science has wonderful medicines for its treatment. However, it needs to be seen by a rheumatologist to make a definitive dignosis. You may contact AIIMS, Apollo Hospital or Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (Vasant Kunj) and ask for an appointment with a rheumatologist. Remember, the most successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is within first 3 months of its onset. Also, remember not to fall prey to unproven, unscientific cures as that would only be waste of your precious time and a window of opportunity could thus be lost.