I have a strange question for you. I have RA and lately my ear is sore and tender. It is not in the canal it is my outer ear. I don't think that it is my jaw because I had that before and it feels more like an ear ache but this is differnet. I was thinking that ra attacks the cartilidge in my joints and my outer ear is made of cartidge could it be RA?

Hi Annette,

I also have RA, a year ago I had similar symptoms and it turned out to be my thyroid. This is common when you have RA, many patients will develop Hasimotos Thyroiditis. I would talk with your rheumatologist and have your thyroid checked. Good Luck!
Deb

Thanks for the information. I see my doctor on Wednesday and he always feels and sounds my neck because I am on Methotrexate. Earlier this week I did notice that on one side of my neck right under my jaw is bigger than the other side. If he don't check this time which would be the first time then I would mention it to him. I also have a cough for over a month now and I blamed it on the ACE inhibitor that I am taking but it is getting worse. I am going to get him to check that too.

I would bet that this is your thyroid, I am also on Methotrexate (8 pills/week)
and Humeria injections weekly. Hopefully you will get an answer soon.
Deb

One of the worst pains I had when this all started was in the cartilage of my ear...so yep, it's possible.