Problems with my thumb

Wonkylegs

Hi, not had this before so thought I'd consult the 'knowledge bank' of this forum to see if anyone could help me!

My thumb has occasionally got stiff and 'clunky' from time to time, but this weekend my thumb joint (below the nail) has got very stiff. At the same time it seems to be swollen, and when I compare the right one (bad) with the left one (ok right now!) the right seeems to have a much bigger joint, with a very hard lump coming off to one side.

I have been lucky so far to avoid the joint damage that so many others with RA seem to get - particularly on their hands. I am worried as the RA started in my Right hand .... does this mean that it is getting worse?

On Wednesday I saw my consultant but it was not a good day at the clinic and he didn't even get a bit interested in my thumb. Other things were concentrating his mind. :roll: So maybe I will ahve to ring the rheumy nurse.

any thoughts gratefully appreciated.

frogmorton

Hi Wonky
Not a nodule is it?
I would get on to rheumy clinic if I were you.
They shouldn't have ignored your worries really should they :roll:
Hope you feel better soon
Toni xx

redpoppy

hi wonky,it does sound like a nodule,i have a few of them on the top joints of my fingers.ive got pa.

lindalegs

Rheumatologists make me so mad sometimes :x we wait months for an appointment and then, for whatever reason, we come away feeling rushed and unfulfilled. I know it's often down to oversubscribed clinics but we all need to be treated as individuals because our needs are individual :roll:

I would think that the RA is attacking your thumb at the moment but don't panic there's nothing to say it won't settle down again. I suppose it's inevitable that it will attack your hands sometimes but as you're on good meds it probably won't leave the marked damage on your hands as it would have done in days gone by. Gently exercise it in warm water to try to keep the mobility going but don't overdo it as it probably needs rest too and try massaging it with your other hand.

Hope it settles down soon.

Luv Legs

Wonkylegs

thanks all - i woke up this morning thinking all was well as I could bendthe thrumb at 90 degrees and there was little swelling or stiffness, but it has come on again during the day, so I am trying to be a good girl and rest it - not easy though!! :roll:

You are all right about the problems with rheumy appointments. i haven't plucked up the courage to ring the rheumy nurses today, but will have to tomorrow or I will have missed my chances.

trying to keep positive ....... and you all helped - so a big thank you!

Shell

Hi Wonkeylegs
Ihad the same thing with my Right thumb for months before i even got referred to a rhemy. I had been going to see my doc with a painful swollen sausage shape thunb and what they called fungal under my nail. They took various scrapings from my nail (all results were ok) and i got a lump on the side of my thumb which they decided to operate on. They opened it up right down to the bone and said they couldnt find anything what ever was there went when they opened the thumb up
So i was no wiser and have a scar on my thumb now because of it. After more doc visits in pain and swelling was refered to rhemy in all this took about 2 years and was diagnosed with PA.
Some have mentioned Nodules what are these and how are they caused? is it due to artur?
As i was never given an answer to my lump i am interested in this thread and what nodules are.
Michelle

lindalegs

Shell wrote:

Hi Wonkeylegs
Ihad the same thing with my Right thumb for months before i even got referred to a rhemy. I had been going to see my doc with a painful swollen sausage shape thunb ......Some have mentioned Nodules what are these and how are they caused? is it due to artur?
As i was never given an answer to my lump i am interested in this thread and what nodules are.
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

A certain percentage of people with arthritis are prone to nodules which are lumps that can appear on the bony parts of the body. Some are tender and others not. I have them on my hands and did have a very large one at the base of my spine which was painful - especially in bed. My consultant said he could remove it as it was causing me problems but he decided, in the end, to leave it and it's gone away of it's own accord. The ones on my hands are ugly but don't hurt so I've never asked for any help with them.

This is my experience and limited knowledge of nodules, others may be able to fill you in more fully.

Luv Legs

mudie68

Hi Wonky,
My mate and I have exactly the same affliction with our thumb only, as you have and scratched our heads to what the swelling, stiffness, etc. could be. In fact it's caused by using your thumb to text on your mobile phone, as typists get similar typing. A specialist had carried out some tests and reassured us that's what it was and you know what! I think, he may be right.

Adieu Ron.

frogmorton

Like a bit of OA Ron???

Love

Toni xx

carola

Hello

Aye, last year when I was really flaring my thumb went crazy too - the top knuckle especially and and wee nodule type things appeared.

Weirdly, it was the thing that really kept me awake at night with the pain even tho' other joints were far worse!

Once my meds started kicking in it went away meantime I found ice packs eased it a bit.

Hope you are feeling better.
Carol x