Red lumps on fingers

[YoungAndPainful]

Hi,

Since I've started having issues with my joints (had two hip replacements at 25, arthritis in my lower lumbar spine & sacralratic joint etc) I've had these lumps appear for a couple of days (more sometimes) and then they go away for a bit.

They really hurt to touch. They appear over night most of the time. Mostly appear on my finger joints. They seem to be getting bigger everytime they flair up. It seems to come when my pain is worse or sometimes if I've been stressed.

It makes it painful to move my fingers, especially if they are on my joints.

I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday but in my experience I know I'm going to be fobbed off. It's a phone appointment too.....I have sent pictures

Does anyone have any idea what they are?

The picture are the first day and they don't show how red and sore they are so please keep that in mind. More will pop up during the "flair".

P.s they are 1000% not warts.

[Bluebell999]

It may be that you have myxoid cysts. I have them from time to time. They are usually small, near the finger joints or the base of a nail, and you don't usually notice them until you knock it and it causes irritation, redness and pain.

Some people have them on their toes, fortunately so far that has not happened to me.

My gp says they are harmless and connected with my arthritis. These little cysts can get inflamed and become bothersome., however, they are benign. As there is no cure, it is something to put up with.

I usually sterilise a sewing needle to help pop or tear the skin to let the fluid out. It is a build up of synovial fluid which helps joints move, and it is clear, sticky and like a gel. From start to finish it takes about 4 days, you have to wait until it looks ready to pop before you squeeze or prick it. It is different to a boil or pimple though. It heals and doesn't leave a scar, it's just annoyingly painful when you hit it.

However, if you find you are oozing, cloudy or smelly pus then you probably have an infection and definitely need to see your gp.

Usually the cysts are quite small, so not too noticeable. I had one nearly a cm across on my thumb joint and I happened to show my rheumatologist who excitedly cut it and squeezed it all out. He used a scapel which was more effective than my needles. I think I made his day

Good luck !

[YoungAndPainful in reply to Bluebell999]

I'm too scared to pop them. My GP is calling me Wednesday so hopefully there will be some kind of investigation....

More little ones have popped up since that picture but that normal for a flair.