Knuckles

[Fatty-Mcfatfat]

I don’t often post. I read everything to try and get a better understanding of what’s happening to my body and why. But I need some advice, so here goes. The knuckles on my right hand have been painful, inflamed and burning hot for a couple of weeks now. The redness doesn’t go away. I’ve tried ice packs & frozen peas, but still red, pain & stiffness. Even tried tiger balm, but no difference. Any suggestions to help a girl out, great appreciated. X

[Lolabridge]

Hi. Sorry to hear you're suffering. It sounds as though you are flaring. Do let your Rheumy team know.Have you just had a booster jab? Some of us have had mini-flares after jabs but they do die down after a while.

[nomoreheels]

I think a call to your nurse is needed. It sounds as though you have a localised flare & it needs bringing under control. Treating promptly gives a better chance of it being resolved quickly. I can empathise, though my issue wasn’t my knuckle it can be b|**]¥ painful.

[Deeb1764]

I have inflamed knuckles and fingers sausage like I have emailed my RA team asking for some advice as all the hands are stiff and painful too. So worth calling to see if your team can assist with you as well.

[allanah]

Hi , great to see you posting and keep asking your questions . Yes I get swollen knuckles and often I do have to call the rheumy team if the normal heat/cold packs and anti inflammatory treatments don't work.

Also have to tried anti arthritis gloves yet? It's like your hands being given a cuddle, love mine and got them cheap from amazon. The other thing I have is resting splints made specifically for me by occupational therapy. They support send rest your hands. You ring your rheum team and ask rhem to refer you for OT .

Feel for you

[Neonkittie17]

Epsom salts in a hand hot sink full of water. Swish your hands and try some simple exercises opening and closing your hand and spreading your fingers if you can. Warm water makes it easier to move the hands and any joints. My knuckles were the same many years ago when RA was uncontrolled. I had wax hand baths at the hospital for several weeks three times a week until the knuckles calmed down, but maybe not easy to do that safely at the moment. Smaller, but good wax hand baths are available to buy online. I’d try the Epsom salts as it drew the inflammation out of mine. Tesco pharmacy usually sell them and so do Amazon. Wax hand baths were always more effective for me though.

[Sheila_G]

This is very common with flares. I run the hot tap over them to ease the pain. Of course, it doesn't last but it does halp and eventually it dies down. Other than things you have already suggested, I can't think of anything else.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

I echo what has been said about reaching out to your rheumatology team for assistance. We also have this article on our website which you may find useful.

nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS