Newbie

GillW

Hi All, I’m currently in the process of getting an official diagnosis. Had my first consultation last week where I had x-rays and was given first batch methotrexate. It’s likely RA that I have but also investigating lower back pain as I could alternatively have ankylosing spondylitis 🤷‍♀️

a question that I did have though is are we more prone to muscle strains? Yesterday out of nowhere my deltoid muscle was painful and this morning a cannot lift my arm (flexion). There is no pain when a lift my arm with my other arm so I know it’s muscular rather than joint and the pain isn’t felt in the joint area anyway

Anna

Hi @GillW and welcome to the online community,

I understand that you're currently waiting for an official diagnosis of RA and you are wondering if you are now more prone to muscle strain. There could be several reasons for muscle pain, including that your body is adapting to pain in your joints so you're using muscles in a different way and maybe straining them. One of the more serious side effects of Methotrexate can be muscle pain, so you might have to talk to your GP or rheumatologist if the pain continues. Other members of the forum may have experiences that they can share with you about how their arthritis has affected their muscles. Everyone here is very friendly and supportive, so I'm sure you'll hear some helpful advice.

Meanwhile, have a look at the links below that give some useful information about Rheumatoid Arthritis and methotrexate:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/

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

Do let us know how you're getting on,

Anna (Moderator)

GillW

Thank you Anna. I haven’t even started the medication yet as I’m going on holiday next week and the consultant said it would be best to start after I return as didn’t want to be dealing with possible side effects while away.

i suppose I am using my arms more to support myself as my knees are useless at the moment 😂 so probably just a strain 🤞🏼