RA in Jaw?

nickynoo29

Hi, am in need of some support today. I saw the OH this morning to discuss my hands which I have RA in, I mentioned my jaw was painful and she said the symptoms sound like RA also. I haven't seen much about RA in the jaw so was wondering if anyone else could give advice?

I am due to see RA consultant later this month when I shall confirm definite yes/no, but in the meantime my symptoms are a clicking jaw and occasional locking with a restriction on how far i can open my mouth (caused me a few problems eating lunch out on Monday :roll: ) although this doesn't happen all the time it is enough to concern me.

I am 35yrs old and just diagnosed earlier this year with RA in knuckles of hands, so am climbing a steep learning curve, but am gradually getting there. I am on medication (hydrochloraquine and methotrexate) also.

Many thanks for any advice/help, I would like to know more,

Nicky xx

valval

get intouch with your dentist explaine to them they have a sheet of exercises to help while you wait good luck (when doing them it gets worse before better but have worked for me) val

stickywicket

I, too, have RA in my jaw, nickynoo, but, of all the many places I have it, the jaw has given me fewest problems over the years. Yes, it clicks and nowadays it doesn't open very far but I've never had a great deal of pain there. The meds you're on should help it as much as any other joint.

Val's advice is good. If you don't have a good dentist then get one. Mine's brilliant - very understanding and helpful.

nickynoo29

thanks for advice and comments, will get in touch with dentist to see if they can help while i wait to see consultant, always good to know there is someone there who understands.

nicky x

valval

to be honest when in a flare it hurts so much chewing in inposible but with right meds it ok good luck val

magenta

Hi Nicky,

I have OA in both sides of my jaw so I can only tell you how I've been helped. I see a maxillofacial surgeon and I'm waiting for a date to go into hospital for a 2nd op on my jaw. I get clicking, crunching and also minimal opening of jaw. I go on a soft food diet (well, sometimes ) and use heat to help with the pain. My meds help too, especially amytriptilline which I've been on for years for other stuff.

There was a post on Chat-to-Helpline forum about the jaw and they have info that they can post out to you, check it out. I'll try and bump up some posts from the past that may help you. As others have said, get a good dentist.
As I've OA not RA, I hope I've not confused matters with my advice.
Hope this helps, I know how awful the pain is,
Magenta x

Starburst

Hello Nicky,

Sounds like you have a few people who have some experience of this. My friend has inflammatory arthritis in her jaw quite badly and will eventually need a replacement. I'm not sure if this is the correct term but she had the joint 'washed out' which seemed to give her some relief.

I'm no doctor and don't wish to diagnose you or pretend I'm particularly knowledgeable. However, I was wondering if you'd looked into TMJ(Temporomandibular joint) disorder. I have it mildly and I do get the clicking sensation you described. I'm glad you're seeing your consultant soon. Hope you get some answers.

xx

magenta

Hi again,

Starburst has just remimded me that I have TMJ too! I don't know though what causes what-the OA or TMJ? I've had the 'flushing' out op too and it did help for a while.

Magenta x

nickynoo29

Thanks for more information, looks like I have a few more questions to add to my list for the consultant... Might even call the helpline and talk to them in next few days about it so they are aware before appointment. RA certainly does keep me on toes, just when I think all is going well the cold weather plays havoc with hands and now jaw as well :roll:

Thanks for input everybody, will update you when I have seen consultant.

Nicky x