Swollen Knuckles - Arthritis Message Board

Hellokitty1973 · 08-15-2002, 02:51 PM

Since being diagnosed with RA last month, I have now become over-analytical with my joints. (I constantly "inspect" my joints for swelling.) My ankles swell and I think they look bad, although no one else can really tell. Now, 1 or 2 knuckles at the base of my fingers are getting swollen (sort of what I attribute RA to look like in the hands). It's starting to freak me out. Although it is subtle, I can see the difference.

My question is, once my meds start kicking in and working on the inflammation in my body, will it also help reduce the inflammation in my knuckles? I have pretty skinny wrists and forearms, so I feel like it is so noticeable on my hands!!

Thanks for any input!

MegHurts · 08-15-2002, 03:44 PM

Hi hellokitty! I have RA in my hands too and to answer your question, yes once the meds have kicked in you should notice your knuckles going back to normal. My hands were so swollen before I started the Prednisone that Im actually wearing rings 2 full sizes larger!! I had to have my engagement ring resized because I refuse not to wear it! LOL! Silly (I know) but I didnt want to be anymore different than I already am. My knuckles have gone down significantly though just in a week. Since you're noticing swelling developing while on medication, you might want to mention it to your RA. They might be able to add something to your regime to help reduce the swelling (or keep it away) in the meantime while you wait for your meds to kick in. Thats what they're doing with me. I just hope the Plaquenil works for me!

Hang in there!!

Meg

Hellokitty1973 · 08-16-2002, 08:34 AM

Hi Meg -

Actually I was at my doctor last week and we are adding another medication, but that will also take some time to kick in (sulfasalazine). If you saw my other post, i basically told the doctor I wanted to try something else before methotrexate - which is what he wanted me to start. (I want to have a baby next year and don't want to try the MTX til after that). But, they generally don't prescrive Prednisone, so it seems like i just have to wait and see. I am also on Celebrex, but it semems to only have residual effects.

Ugh - Don't you just get frustrated?! Have they concluded for sure that you have RA or a viral induced arthritis?

Angela74 · 08-16-2002, 09:39 AM

Hey!

First of all....what is your name? I just dont think saying "Hey Kitty" sounds right...but actually Kitty could be your name...

Anyway I am the "QUEEN" of swollen knuckles. Oh if you could see my knuckles you would feel so much better! I look like I am deformed

The doc put me on prednisone (see post above) to help eliminate it but I'm not sure if it is working. Seems to be helping reduce the swelling everywhere else though!

Hope yours doesnt stick around long. It really has impacted my life as the fluid that is building up decreases the mobility and usability of my hands. Make sure to keep exercising them so they don't stiffen up too much.

Take care!
Angela

MegHurts · 08-16-2002, 10:08 AM

My fingers & knuckles got so swollen that I am physically unable to make a fist. My fingers simply will not bend because of the swelling. Its probably been 6 months since my fingers were able to touch my palm. They were even starting to contract into my palm and werent straightening out. I dont know how much worse they could have gotten. The muscles in my forearms even are weak because of lack of use from my fingers. Im agine not even being able to open a bottle of soda or be able to open your own front door! It was awful!

Now that Im on the Prednisone, I feel so much better! My fingers are starting to straighten out and my knuckles are starting to reduce as well, but its going to take a while longer for them to get back to normal Im sure. I started on 20mg for a week then went to 10mg and now Im back on the 20mg and will be on this for a month before reducing to 10mg for a month and then 5 mg for a month. Then hopefully the Plaquenil will be working!!

I hope it works for you all! Hang in there!

Meg