Pain in Hands and Hips on Methotrexate

[Firefighter1962]

Hi am on Mehtoraxate , which I take once a week but I am still experiencing pain in my hands particularly my thumb and my hip, is this normal as it apperas to be getting more painful each day.

[Runrig01]

You don’t say how long you’ve been on MTX. It takes at least 3 month to start seeing noticeable results. Are you taking a nsaid drug or steroids whilst you wait on the MTX working. MTX works by reducing inflammation, hopefully with your regular blood tests you’ll see your inflammatory markers improving. You can take painkillers whilst using MTX. If you’ve been on it a while, and it’s getting worse give your team a call.

[Firefighter1962 in reply to Runrig01]

I be been on Methotrexate since 15th September 2023. was on steroids prednisolone but gradually reducing dose each week and have finished the course. Only taking Methotrexate once a week and folic acid on the other 6 days. Have pain in elbow joint and fingers .

[Runrig01 in reply to Firefighter1962]

It is early days then. If it’s only one arm affected you should rule out the possibility of it being osteoarthritis. My knee recently became extremely painful after doing too much on holiday. I was shocked when one of the findings on the scan was severe osteoarthritis causing the pain.

If it’s in both elbows and hands, then that suggests it’s a systemic cause, so speak with your rheumatologist.

[Seabird1 in reply to Firefighter1962]

It sounds like you need more pain relief. I would speak to your doctor. It's also quite recent that you started the methotrexate. I've read it can take quite some time to get on top of your inflammation but also I have been on it for many years and still take a daily nsaid to get by the tin man stiffness.

[RAGuy]

I have had and still experience the same problem. It is not normal and you should not just put up with it. It may indicate the MTX is not as effective as it once was and a referral to Occ. Therapy would be beneficial. I have corrective hand splints and exercises to help manage the problem.

Speak to your RA team to get help and good luck in the future

[helixhelix in reply to RAGuy]

OP has only been on it 6 weeks! Bit early to judge not effective.

[AgedCrone]

Has anyone mentioned osteoarthritis ?

The joints you mention are all prone to that.

Do have a word with your Rheumy nurse.

[Firefighter1962 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks

[AgedCrone in reply to Firefighter1962]

Look after yourself

[Firefighter1962]

Thanks 👍

[Spanelmad]

Are you taking an anti-inflammatory as well as Mtx?Also your dose may need adjusting, are you on tablets or injection? I found that are got a better result on the injection

[Dobcross1]

Hi, as others have said Methotrexate takes some time to work - for me it took about 14 weeks - so there is still time for it to help you.

[helixhelix]

MTX started working for me after 3 months, but took a full year and the addition of two other drugs to get back to normal. You have to give it a chance, but not too much of a chance before you ask for a review. When is your next appointment?

[Shadow35]

What kind of pain relief. I take diclofenac + 8 acetaminophene + i put biofreeze almost everywhere. When i take a break i put real ice pac and at the end of the day i take a really hot bath + 75 mg of lyrica + pramipexole and i'm still in pain and waiting for rhumathologist. I have 5 pill out of 10 of morphine left to last one month. With the morphine i'm way better but i still feel the stiffness and just a little bit of pain. I'm curious witch pain med you got so i can ask my gp.

[Firefighter1962]

Got bloods next week so will ask at that point.Will phone Rheumatology tomorrow and see what they think.