Sudden flare up

[Junny1]

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was in college at 18 years old. I was given the big injections at wrightinton hospital if anybody has been there. Was bad for months and it came Asma went for a few years. I’m now 41- and Ive more or less forgotten what arthritic pain is, so Im wondering if this sudden constant pain in my wrist and around my hand could be a flare up? And I have a feeling it’s going up my elbow. I have a feeling it is. It’s been years and I’m in methotrexate injections

[Happyrosie]

As you are on methotrexate you are, or should be, in fairly regular contact with medical people so I think this is a question for them.

[Junny1 in reply to Happyrosie]

Yes I go for my blood test tests because of my methotrexate injections every 3 months now. Was every month then 2 and now 3. I was told if I’m experiencing any problems I can see the nurses there. Otherwise I see my consultant every 3/4 months

[Oneta]

I have been on methotrexate for a couple of years, when I do any physical work I get lots of pain in my joints but it usually subsides after 24 hours, elbow get tender at random time, hard to know when I a, getting a flare, I just soldier on. Lately I have been getting quote nauseas on methotrexate day, so have started taking it at night. Always take folic acid two days after methotrexate day once a week.

[GordonEdin]

If it is a pain in one hand, it might just be that you have strained a muscle. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect multiple joints on both sides of the body at the same time - although there are no guarantees. Best thing to do would be to get in touch with your RA nurses and seek advice.

[Hidden]

Hello. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2016 (after having psoriasis for 30 yrs) which technically affects the tendons but I get exactly what you've described...I seem to get flare ups and the inflammation moves to different sites.

I recently had a flare up in one hand which calmed down then the other hand flared...so strange. It usually starts in my wrists and sometimes looks like a red protruding bulge...I also get pain in my knee, hip and lower back - walked lop-sided for 6 months in 2019 when I had a huge flare up and then went on a biologic (imraldi) for psoriasis and arthritis. Thank god that didn't happen during the lockdown in 2020. My biologic is administered through Dermatology consultant and I've had periods where rheumatology contact was sporadic.

The biologic is still working for my skin (all clear for two years) but I started getting joint and tendon pain again in the spring this year. I asked to be referred back to rheumatology. I was waiting a while on NHS but expected that to be the case as the referral wasn't urgent.

I received a whole body steroid injection three weeks ago and another in my hand last week. I had to persist for the hand injection - which was guided by ultra sound. I'm glad to have it in time for the winter. I'd report your flare ups really quickly so that you can be seen as soon as possible.

It is frightening when it starts up and you think here we go again. Hope you get some respite and persist if necessary 🌼

[Elmo333]

I get that and was told that a flare in the wrist can put pressure on the nerve leading to carpal tunnel type symptoms. Sometimes the pain radiates from my finger all the way up to my shoulders but it only lasts for a few days then disappears for a while x