Differences between OA and RA pain

Bev1808

Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to tell which condition between OA, RA and Fibromyalgia is causing the pain and weakness in my knuckles. The pain feels deep in the bone with a little swelling around the joint. There is also stiffness and tenderness present. I am right handed and this is currently present in my left hand only. I have confirmed OA and Fibro, and currently being investigated for RA. Many thanks for your help.

PeterJ

Hello @Bev1808 and welcome to the community. We aim to be friendly and supportive of each other and I hope that that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have pain and weakness in the knuckles in your left hand and are wondering what the likely cause is and that you have been diagnosed with OA and Fibromyalgia. Our website has a lot of useful information and a good search function so please have a look at that, to help I've put a couple of links below.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/fibromyalgia/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

and specifically on hand pain

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

I hope these help and please do keep posting and let us know how you get on. I am sure others will contact you as well and share their experiences.

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

PeterJ

You may also find the following useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hand-and-wrist/

Peter

helpline_team

Hi@Bev1808

Thanks for you post to the Helpline. Sorry for the delay in replying.

This is difficult question to answer as your pain is such a personal experience. Over time many people with arthritis may develop a sense of what their pain is telling them, but even with a lot of life experience, some flare ups can really affect your confidence and you may not be sure what's happening.

When a flare up hits it may be helpful to have a particular health professional who you use for advice and support. If your GP has a special interest in arthritis, it might be them, or you may find someone like a physiotherapist may be more practical for you.

I realise you've already had the links to things like hand pain and different types of arthritis. Gentle hand stretches (perhaps done in warm water - or done while washing up a couple of light things are often useful.) The uncertainty of a new kind of sensation or pain is not easy to deal with. If you'd like a chat about it, do ring us on 08005200520 9am-6pm Mon-Fri.

Exercising with arthritis | Top tips, specific exercises (versusarthritis.org)

All the best

Guy - Helpline Team