PMR question

[remission]

Just wondering if anyone else out there is suffering from this. diagnosed originally with PMR about 3 yrs ago, off of prednisone for one year, now I have developed joint swelling but only in my index fingers, painful to even close my fingers into a fist. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Could be Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis rather than PMR

[remission in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou for your reply. I finally, after three years get to see a rheumatologist at the end of June, so shall see what she says

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to remission]

Let us know what it is please…..meanwhile maybe have a look at this site -

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[Lonsdalelass in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for the link DL, interesting reading, especially as the rheumatologist nurse told me at my last visit that he thought I had OA more than PMR. Had creaky joints for ages, before PMR diagnosed. And I do get pain in middle finger on right hand, also had knobbly joints in some fingers for years too. Maybe he's right now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lonsdalelass]

There seem to be a lot of people who have never had PMR who get that idea!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lonsdalelass]

Possible to have both ….doesn’t have to be one or t’other!

[Predderman2020]

Hi - I got a very similar problem. I am a guitarist and it has been a blow for me, because one thing I can do with PMR to distract me is playing. There was minimal swelling, but it was very painful indeed in my left index finger mid-joint. The Dr gave me topical steroids (no real benefit), and then 2 weeks later I asked for an injection of short- and long-acting steroid. I put it down to tapering , and not managing the illness carefully, ie: stress, sleep, quiet times, careful exercise, etc.. I am happy to say that after 3 months it has pretty well gone, but like PMRpro says, I have to be vigilant to find (and observe) that elusive minimal dose to suppress symptoms. Good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it just the joint or the entire finger?

[remission in reply to PMRpro]

The entire finger

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to remission]

Unusual for just a single finger unless you have injured it somehow without noticing. Have you spoken to the GP? Do you have a walk-in centre or MIU (Minor Injuries Unit)?

[remission in reply to PMRpro]

no the other fingers are a little sore, but hardly noticeable, it's the two index fingers that are swollen and ache

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to remission]

My index fingers play up sometimes -but then I do have OA in many places. As Nightingales says could be Heberden's Nodes - but that is arthritis anyway

[remission in reply to DorsetLady]

What is the difference between OA and RO, I was thinking that OA would be better, if I get to chose

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to remission]

See this re OA- joints affect are affected -usually weight bearing -can be replaced -usually general wear and tear and over 40 yrs

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

..and I guess you mean RA- see this - can affect lot younger people - another autoimmune illness commonly treated with MTX and TCZ

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

I would agree OA is probably the better of 2 evils.,

[Nightingales]

I have this diagnosed by my rheumatologist as Heberden's Nodes. It’s osteoarthritis, the pain redness and swelling comes and goes. Sorry to hear you have this. It’s one more thing to cope with. I find the modified kitchen implements for osteoarthritis help.

[Nextoneplease in reply to Nightingales]

“I find the modified kitchen implements for osteoarthritis help”.

Me too, I’d be hopeless without them. I also have a key turner which gives more leverage on a Yale key, and a grab stick for hard to reach things.

Oh, and rails on the stairs and in the bath, also essential with unreliable strength and balance!

[remission in reply to Nextoneplease]

thankyou for your response, much appreciated as always