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Sickle Cell Disease: Dactylitis (Hand-Foot Syndrome)

Topic Overview

Dactylitis is severe pain that affects the bones of the hands, the feet, or both. It's often the first symptom of sickle cell disease in babies.

Dactylitis is caused by blocked blood circulation. Symptoms include extreme pain and tenderness, usually with swelling. An episode may last 1 to 2 weeks.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology
Last Revised October 7, 2010

Last Revised: October 7, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology

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