Bending Fingers and azathioprine

Lilipie
Lilipie Member Posts: 2
edited 23. Oct 2011, 15:43 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi

I am 26 years old and have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (6 months ago), but have had symptoms for just over 2 years.

I am currently taking Budesodine and Azathioprine because I have autoimmune hepatitis too.

This morning something really strange happened and I just wondered if anyone new anything about this, or if they had experienced anything similar?

My middle finger started to bend towards my ring finger quite drastically, it stayed there for a few minutes and then I managed to get it to straighten back to its normal position. This happened a couple of times, twice on my right hand and once on my left hand. I tried to look it up online, but the closest thing I found was 'ulnar deviation'. Basically my middle finger looked a lot like the pictures you find if you google 'ulnar deviation'. The thing that confused me about this is that although I am aware that with RA your fingers can become deformed over time, I find it really strange to understand that they would adopt such a severly deformed position and then straighten out again.. is this normal, has anyone else had this? could it be the medication (I have only just started the azathioprine, does this mean that ulnar deviation is starting? and is there anything I can do to stop it.

Sorry for all the questions and a big hello to all of you.

Many thanks

Lili

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Lilipie and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I can't be much help with your question. Fingers can bend with RA. Indeed, mine are bent all over the place but I was diagnosed 50 years ago long before the disease modifying meds changed all that. I can't remember if mine started the way you mention but I don't think so. If you think it may be a result of meds, I'd check it out with the doc - or even the pharmacist.

    I hope someone will be along soon who can be of more help.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think you need to see your GP about this: my mum has fingers that bend and she has to manually straighten them (they cannot return to the normal position on their own) but Ma is 88. You're not. It could be summat called 'trigger finger', I don't know if this is meds or RA related but your GP might. Please take a photo of it if you can (or get someone else to do so) so he can see this in action and go to see him as soon as you can. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If it is trigger finger, but you do need to be diagnosed by a medic, it is a condition that affects the tendons in the finger or thumb. It limits finger/thumb movement. When you try to straighten the finger or thumb with the fingers on the other hand, after it has bent towards the palm of your hand, it will lock or catch before popping out straight again.

    I have have had both my trigger thumbs treated with a 15 minute little operation, done at separate times. I did originally have a couple of steroid injections in each thumb but it soon came back, hence the procedure to rectify them. I have had no trouble since. By the way I have OA.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.