Numb hands and painful toes

[Sebastian247]

Hi all.I'm currently dealing with RA symptoms whilst waiting for Hydroxychloroquine to start working (hopefully).

It's the usual stiffness, pain swelling and fatigue. But I'm also getting numb hands which isn't usual for me. I'm getting it when I'm holding something and during the night. It's pretty uncomfortable and wakes me up.

I'm led to understand the Hydroxychloroquine can take months to start working, so I may be stuck with this for sometime.

Is this another common RA thing? And has anyone found techniques to help with it.

I also have painful toes in one foot which is new for me. Apart from pain killers or anti inflammatories has anyone found other ways to alleviate the pain?

I may give the hospital rhemy helpline a call next week, but it's often not staffed or the call wait is a very long time, and closes before anyone answers, so any advice in the meantime is appreciated.

Cheers. Seb

[Tkat10]

I would speak to the rheumatology team as any numbness needs addressing asap.

[Sebastian247 in reply to Tkat10]

Thanks. I have just spoken to someone. I'm being referred to occupational health. Hopefully they can help. Seb

[Gramma3]

I put Scholl Gel Activ insoles in all my footwear, it really helps my foot pain in general, including toes.

[Sebastian247 in reply to Gramma3]

Thank you for the advice. I'll have a look online. Seb

[Lhasalover]

Hi, Until the meds kick in (which can take a while) go on line and buy some Isotoner compression gloves. They really work. You can wear them in the day time and also sleep in them. We (both husband and I have autoimmune) also bought a hand massager. This was bought online too and is great for giving your hands a lift. For feet book in and see a podiatrist. They create custom made orthotics and these help the feet feel much better. Hope you feel better soon. It's a been of a marathon not a sprint, so be patient and stick in there. Things will get better.

[Sebastian247 in reply to Lhasalover]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I've had a look online at the gloves, they seem well recommended. I've managed to get through to the hospital rheumy helpline and they offered a referral to occupational heaalth. I've no idea how they might help, or what the waiting list is (the nurse didn't know either) so I'll probably get some gloves in the meantime. I'd say fingers crossed but I can't manage that at the moment! Cheers - Seb

[Lhasalover in reply to Sebastian247]

Brilliant Seb. Even though I'm on Hydroxy and Methotrexate I still use these particular gloves. They were recommended to me by the hand therapy team at my hospital. So I honestly believe you'll find they are worth the spend..... Try occupational health by all means but for feet think podiatry. Your hospital might have a podiatry team? I went to see Simon Coop at Hull privately. I was sceptical at first but my custom made orthotics were a game changer. Again, although on meds and technically in remission, I still continue to need (and use)my orthotics. RA is well known for affecting the hands and feet. That's why lots of hospitals have automatic referrals between rheumy teams and hand therapy and podiatry. My private orthotics proved far superior however to anything my local hospital could provide. Just giving you all the info and you can go from there and make your own enquiries. Good look and I'm sure it'll not be long before you are on the right path.

[Sebastian247 in reply to Lhasalover]

Thanks for being so upbeat! I'm sold on the gloves. There was no mention of podiatry, but I'll keep.in mind your advice when i get the occ health appointment. I suspect It's going to be a long haul. The drugs I've been on in the past have been faster acting, and I can't cope with prednisolone.

Having happily agreed to stopping all meds I feel this is a bit self inflicted. I just have to grind it out for two months, in theory. So anything that helps will be a bonus.

Cheers. Seb

[oldtimer2]

Numb hands can be due to nerve pressure. Splinting your wrists might help if it's due to pressure at the wrist, or trying out different neck supports if it's pressure in the neck.

[Sebastian247 in reply to oldtimer2]

Thanks for the advice. I suspect it's wrist related as my wrists are painful and hands swollen. I've been referred to occupational health after speaking to a rheumy nurse today. Hopefully they can help. Best wishes - Seb.

[Boxerlady in reply to Sebastian247]

I had similar problems before my meds kicked in and the OT was very helpful with advice, exercises, wrist splints and compression gloves - hopefully you'll find the same 🤞

[Sebastian247 in reply to Boxerlady]

That's really encouraging to hear. Certainly gives me hope. Many thanks. Seb.

[Keepinmovin]

Hi Sebastian 247,

I was in my early 60's (10 years ago)when RA struck, starting in my fingers and some toes. I can't remember how long it took for hydroxychloroquine to take effect, by I don't think it was too long. Apart from the daily dose, I looked at ways to reduce swelling through dietry changes and started consciously increasing Omega 3 rich foods, e.g. tinned sardines on toast at least twice a week for lunch (add some vinegar to improve the taste) for example.

( I wonder if the numbness might be coming from nerves being pinched by swelling in the neck joints? Have you had xrays to check?) If you have swollen joints, you must rest them and get the swelling down so as not to damage them further.

Hydroxychloroquine had some effects on my gut, but I got used to it. Later I often forgot to take the tablet and noticed my symptoms were no worse, but if it got worse again I would go back to the daily dose.

I recommend Taichi, too as it's good for mobility, balance and relaxation of the mind. All the best....