Pain in fingers.

wibberley

Hello,

When I mentioned to my rhemy that my fingers hurt, he laughed and said that was just old age. 43 isn't that old, surely?

Then mentioned it to my Doc who didn't even look at my fingers, just said it's probably early osteoarthritis.

After doing a bit of googling, I found some info on menopausal arthritis which seemed to be just what I was experiencing. However the article was from a magazine, which was heavily into advertising particular creams etc so I would be keen on less-biased advice. Am rather hoping it is this menopausal arthritis as the article says it improves on its own after a few years!

helpline_team

Hi there,

Thanks for your enquiry to Helplines. As you mentioned your rheumatologist, do I take it you have an inflammatory arthritis? I suppose if that's the case that there is no question of that causing finger pain? Are your inflammatory levels up at all?

Assuming there's no chance of that, then early joint pain is very often not worth x-raying as the management of the problem is the same, according to many specialists. (Weight loss if needed, physiotherapy, management of daily activities - eg avoid heavy tasks.)

If you want some articles on managing hand problems, just email helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk with your full name and postal address (mention that you'd been in touch on the forum about hand problems.)

Hope that gives you some ideas

Guy

wibberley

Sorry, I forgot to say I have RA and the pain is at it's worst in the mornings. First thing I do is reach for a drink of water, then think 'ouch!'.

There doesn't appear to be any swelling (RA is in my wrists and the swelling is obvious).

Thanks for your help.

helpline_team

Hi again,

Given the RA it would be an option to check with the rhuematology nurse how your blood results are looking, you might discuss when the last hand x-ray was done - if a new one is done, there's visible joint erosion, then you might want to discuss your dmard doseage. A referral to physiotherapy cannot be faulted if you ask for one, and considering omega 3 supplements is backed by lots of evidence (dose is high - around 3 grams per day).

hope those ideas are a help

Guy

wibberley

Many thanks,

Lois