question about hand joint

caprica

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone can tell me whether they've had signs of swelling around the DIP finger joint, the one right at the top.

I've been reading that the DIP joints tend to not be involved in RA, is that not the case? Noticed some swelling and redness on my middle finger (that normally only has the middle joint a bit swollen) there today, thought that was weird. The swelling's on the top of the right hand, to the left side of the finger, if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

madness1985

Hiya,

Ive not got redness but my finger has dropped in this area.

x

joyful164

Hello Caprica

I just to have swollen joints like you describe very early on. Use to come and go. Very sore too.
Have you seen your GP to get referred. If it is RA then you can start the ball rolling by getting treatment before damage to the joints my occur. Might just be a case of having some anti-inflammatory meds. If your GP does go down this road, remember that anti-inflammatories may upset your stomach. I was on Omeprazole early on to help protect your stomach. Worth mentioning if you can. I hope this swelling goes down in awhile and it doesn't get too bad.
Joy

caprica

Madness, sorry to be ignorant, but what does 'dropped' mean? like, bent? Sounds sore anyway, I'm sorry you have it!

Joy, thanks for the advice, yes I'm seeing a rheumatologist next week so will ask her about it. I just thought most RA-related hand swelling affected the base of the fingers and the middle joints, where as top joint involvement was OA related?

joyful164

caprica wrote:

Madness, sorry to be ignorant, but what does 'dropped' mean? like, bent? Sounds sore anyway, I'm sorry you have it!

Joy, thanks for the advice, yes I'm seeing a rheumatologist next week so will ask her about it. I just thought most RA-related hand swelling affected the base of the fingers and the middle joints, where as top joint involvement was OA related?

You could be right, in which case it could be a nerve causing it.

On the other hand , I have Psoriatic Arthritis and that affects that part of the finger we myself. I also have OA and have been seeing a chiropractioner about the sensations I get in my hands and fingers.
Your rheumy can soon put you right. Try not to worry.

Joy

madness1985

Hiya hun,

Its not painful thankfully. It just my finger are deformed throught RA and the joint/legiments ect rnt doing there job which has caused the them to drop so instead of the lil lump its just flat .. thats not a good explanation but its hard to explain!

Sorry not much help :oops:

lindalegs

Hi Caprica,

All my finger joints are affected including the top ones too ...they don't hurt anymore but they are deformed ....sorry.

Luv Legs

Starburst

It is my understanding that the DIP joints are often involved if you have Osteoarthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis. Although they aren't usually part of RA, that's only "usually" and doesn't mean they can't be affected. If that makes sense.

caprica

Ah well, it seems there is nothing 'usual' about RA then. Seems to be more the tendon that's inflamed today. Sigh. My middle finger (where it all began!) was doing so well for nearly 2 months! Hopefully it'll settle again soon. thanks guys x