Hand Problems.... advice please

freesia

Hi there.....

I have "OA" (not RA) in both knees, but recently I have been experiencing severe aching in my wrists and finger joints, on both hands.. they are slightly swollen...
Some of my knuckles have had reddish nodules on for quite a while, but with NO pain.... but the last couple of months the aching/pain has increased so much... I am now getting concerned...

I am seeing my GP in a few weeks, and wondered if anyone could help me prepare any questions I may need to ask him.... Or indeed if anyone has any help or advice - It would be gratefully received... thanks...

fowls48

Hi Freesia

I have RA knees feet and hands , i really feel for you my wrist has been playing up and index finger , can you not try to get an earlier appointment .Sorry i have not been of much help , somebody will be along shortly to help


Fowls xx

stickywicket

I tend to go for the straightforward approach, freesia. I suspect you're worried that it might be RA or some other auto-immune variety so why not see what your GP thinks? OA can affect wrists and fingers too, though. I'd ask if there's any way of telling which it might be.

You could read up on both beforehand from AC's booklets so that way (s)he'd know you were informed.

It sounds as if you may need more pain relief at least.

Soretoe2

Hi freesia, You could very well be developing OA in your hands and fingers and perhaps your wrists. I have had OA in mine for over 20 years.
Also you may have some nerve compression from swellimg.
Only an x ray and possble scan/nerve conduction studies can definitley diagnose what it is. A blood test willl show if you have RA.
Most gp's can tell by examining you if it's likely to be OA and then arrange the tests.
Do you know if any members of your family have OA problems? Hand and finger OA is usually an inherited tendancy, particularly nodules on knuckles. However if your work or hobbies (knitting, sewing, typing etc) have been very repetative then this can hasten arthritic fingers and wrists. Women are also more prone to men in developing arthritic fingers early.
Wearing splints can help as well as wax/hot water soaks and gentle massage.
Unfortunately although surgery is an option for some joints most of us just have to adapt to having painful and stiff joints.
I would go back to see your gp earlier if it's possible and explain how painful they are. Your gp will probably then be able to offer you better pain control and set some tests in motion.
I hope you get some answers and relief soon. Let us know how you get on. Joy