Yes, I have a friend who has been taking ibuprophen for joint pain for a couple of years. He has recently developed a swelling in both hands which causes painful movement and actually gets pain up both arms into the shoulders. It is continuing to get worse and the VA doctors have so far been unable to put a finger on what it going on. He is around 50, was in great shape until about a year ago. Used to run 5 miles every day, now walks it.
Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your boyfriend and understood your concern. Pain and swelling in hands could be related to the problems with blood circulation or arthritis (post trauma). X-ray of hand and shoulder joint is recommended together Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels in upper extremities to determine the right diagnosis. Meanwhile, keep taking ibuprofen for the pain, Glucosamine to reduce inflammation of the joints, apply analgesic cream locally. Once again, discuss my suggestion with your caring doctor to start diagnostic tests immediately and take proper measures. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.