Muscles/skin deterioration

[EDee]

Recently diagnosed with R.A. taking methotrexate. I have noticed a significant loss in my skin density, arms and calves now very saggy. No pain or inflammation at the moment. I’m walking approx 5000 to 7000 steps per day. Had any one else noticed this?

[Neverending63]

Have you lost any weight ? Sound more like muscle or weight loss than loss of skin density. As this is where it would be most noticeable ie arms and legs.

[EDee in reply to Neverending63]

Sorry. First posting/reply. Weight the same. Wrinkly finger tips like they have been in water. Ankle/ tendon pain. Very strange and scared, only 4 weeks into taking methotrexate

[EDee]

Weight has stayed the same everything just gone soft. Can flex muscles. Very bad pain in ankles/tendons.

[Neverending63]

Ok you need to contact rheumy. Does your hospital have a nurse or help line you can call today. Try not to worry too much but I know it’s easier said than done x

[lornaisobel]

I have the same !! it looks awful saggy arm and thighs with wriinkles !!! I asked mt nurse some time ago and she said it was loss of muscle tone due to Having RA which makes one less active because of pain and being so tired and also due to Methotrexate - I now go to keep fit and yoga and try to do some exercise at home with weights - I wear long sleeved tops winter and summer !!! take carexx

[EDee in reply to lornaisobel]

Hi. Spoke to my nurse yesterday, she didn’t think it had anything to do with the R.A. they all give such different advise. I’m going to see my GP today for a referral for physio, as I also believe this may have occurred due to my protection of my joints prior to diagnosis even limiting every day chores. I’m now going to get back some kind of normal level of activity as joints are so much better.

I still need to sort out the tendon pain in the back of my heels.

Have a good day and thank you for responding.xx

[EDee]

Just a quick up date, gp has done a referral for physio and referral to a podiatrist to sort out some shoe insets to help with the tendons. Saggy skin she says is lack of excessive. Cramp she advised sleeping with a pillow between knees plus putting anti inflammatory gel on at bed time. Just taken methotrexate so preparing to feel a bit grim for the next 2 days. 😊