Little finger problem

[Mags126]

My little fingers have started to "freeze" or lock up (its hard to describe). They keep stiffening up and won't bend. It just lasts seconds and then they are ok but this is increasing in frequency and concerns me. Is this another symptom of RA that we have to put up with?

[Hidden]

My right hand little finger is doing the same sort of thing Mags. It always sticks out now and has turned around so nail faces away from the other fingers. But it also has a big Herbedean node from OA on it so I've been assuming this is what's making it sore and very stiff. Is the joint in the middle and your knuckle below that swollen? If so I would imagine it is definitely causes by active RA. Mine were like this when I was first diagnosed - purple, swollen and wobbly so I felt like both pinkies could easily just wobble off at the joint. MTX has largely sorted this out (at a price!) though. If the drugs still haven't worked you will need them reviewed but there are physio exercises for fingers which really help me as I do them daily. You shouldn't have to just put up with this no.

Tilda x

[Mags126 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tilda

Thanks for your reply. Joints nearest the top of both fingers are swollen - more

so than the middle joint. It would be nice to be taking some meds, I have Cimzia injections sitting in the fridge but I can't use them until I've had a demo from the nurse and am waiting for him/her to call to arrange this! It's s bit frustrating to say the least. Just painkillers and a large dose of patience is what I'm managing on.

[Hidden]

If its the top joints nearest the nail then like me you probably have OA in them Mags. These joints aren't normally affected by RA so everyone always tells me. They are called your PIP joints and swelling and pain in them is almost always a result of OA/ wear and tear. In which case I'm afraid the Cimzia won't help you much on the little finger front - but I'm sure it will do the world of good for your RA in general. Here's hoping. By the way my OA finger problems got much worse when I was off MTX. I was told by people on this site that this was probably just unfortunate coincidence but a probationer GP spirited them when I was flaring and said it was probably all part of the inflammatory process. Tilda x

[kizzy12]

i have a similar thing with several of my fingers...was told by occupational therapy that its called swan neck where the middle joint starts bending the other way..they have given me these little plastic ring things to wear over the joints and they work a treat

[nottsexsportfanatic]

I get this but more in my thumbs. Mtx has helped so hopefully cimzia will help you.

Re the pip joints - I too was told this was oa but annoying how it only started when the ra did.