Twitching

[Brychni]

Hello all

Just a little thing but very annoying: for a couple of years now I have been getting random but very strong twitching that goes on for days sometimes weeks.

First it was on and off for a couple of months on my left ankle. Since then other random places like the area above scapula both shoulders, outside of top of right arm, small spot on right ribs and for about a week now the outside of my elbow, just under the pointy bit.

I should add that they are all areas where I've had pain past and ongoing.

Apart from anything else it's just weird. Anyone else had this?

[MuppetBaby]

Hi Brychni,

Yes I get these all over. They initially started in my left knee and spread all over. Very similar to an eye twitch in sensation and movement. People I have mentioned it to have not seemed concerned and I was advised it was benign like the eye twitching. I have noticed mine becomes more common as I am going into a flare. My lip was doing it several times a day recently but I had Covid so assume it was the stress of that.

I think someone else posted a similar question a few weeks ago too so seems quite common in those with inflammatory arthritis.

[Mmrr]

I also get randon twitching throughout my body, but it tends to happen when I'm feeling a bit hot and bothered.

[oldtimer2]

Sounds as if it may be connected with your stress levels? Can you do some relaxation techniques and also have a look at why you might be extra stressed right now?

[Claireybee]

Hi! I have this regularly in my upper left arm. I have a lot of inflammation in my shoulder and scapula so I assumed it was linked to this. I’d be interested to hear if you get to the bottom of it. 😊

[Brychni in reply to Claireybee]

My new philosophy is that unless it's a real medical emergency I'm going to stay away from GPs and Rheumatology. I've recently discovered that lupus and connective tissue disorder have been added to my diagnosis without anyone even telling me! I think I've reached saturation point. On the one hand my new rheumatologist is very good at listening and wanting to understand but still skimps on information. I understand that perhaps adding lupus into the mix is pointless because I already take hydroxychloroquine but it would have helped me to understand my flare ups and aches an pains. In addition to that I was told to take aspirin every day because of the blood clotting thing but it wasn't really impressed upon me how important it is. Basically I haven't bothered because I exercise every day and thought it wouldn't affect me. Recently however, I finally got round to researching it and promptly went out and got the aspirin.

Still, I seem to be on an even keel and loath to upset the apple cart. At my last appointment I was offered MTX again but when I said that I felt it was overkill she offered me the Prednisolone again, saying that I could take them when things got really bad but that I didn't have to take them long term or worry too much about tapering etc.

I got all excited about a marked reduction in the Raynaud's problem but think I spoke too soon - our first slightly cold day made my fingers throb after touching the damp washing. I'm beginning to feel like if I sit still (knitting, working on laptop, etc) everything starts to go haywire. I start to ache all over, get cold really quickly and feel like I'm stagnating. But I can't spend all day wandering about the woods with the dog!! I've got one of those small step exercisers next to my chair; whenever I feel the need to get my blood going I give it 2 minutes on that.

wow - that was a long reply - sorry!!

[Claireybee in reply to Brychni]

wow you certainly have lots going on! Sounds like you are finding the right way to manage it for you though, which is I guess all we can do. I can think of worse things than wandering through the woods with the dog all day 😉

[Miasnana]

I get this as well,it sometimes feels like a mobile phone powering up as it is usually on my left thigh glad someone else has this type of strange feeling and I’m not completely mad😀

[Brychni in reply to Miasnana]

Love that description! The ones I get in the shoulders are like mini drum rolls - I'm pretty certain that it could be seen. Could frighten small children!

[Hidden]

Hi Brychni,

There's a few different reasons this may be occurring including things like stress or nerve impingement due to inflammation.

If it's worrying you, then chat to your GP or rheumatology nurse helpline about it. Best case scenario they will be able to confirm its harmless but also identify if this isn't the case and then intervene if necessary.

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS Information and support coordinator