Finger/hand swelling

[Lstar6]

Hi All! Have any of you experienced swelling of your wrists and fingers with PMR? From time to time I do (mild to moderate) which has caused my doctor to change my diagnosis from PMR to seronegative RA.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Now you have raised the question you will find related posts - either in right of screen or scroll down below current posts [depends what device you are using]. But is can be related to PMR as well as other issues.

[SnazzyD]

Is it the joint areas or just like fluid over the area ?

[Lstar6 in reply to SnazzyD]

Joint areas. Mainly my trigger finger. Thank you for replying!

[Bcol]

I've not been getting swelling of my wrists but PMR has affected my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and I'm also getting Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis), both of which tend to become more grumpy as I taper my Pred.

[123-go]

My hands, fingers and feet were very swollen for a period pre-diagnosis. I didn’t record symptoms and dates in those days-too poorly- but it most certainly happened to me.

[Charlie1boy]

Yes, I had an issue with my wrists and fingers about two and a half years in with PMR.

I posted about it on the forum, and, following the advice at that time, increased my prednisolone dose from five to seven mg per day. The result was almost instantaneous, and I subsequently experienced no further problems in that area.

So, for me, I am convinced it was PMR, but, as others have implied, it could be other issues.

Good luck.

[Lstar6 in reply to Charlie1boy]

Thank you for your input! It is much appreciated and helps me to figure out what the heck is going on.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Something called RS3PE syndrome occurs as part of PMR and it also responds to pred. It causes swelling in hands and feet. It is something that should trigger investigation of other illnesses underlying it but it is found with PMR.

What sort of swelling is it in your fingers? Do they look like sausages?

[Lstar6 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for responding! No, not sausages..but, rings do not fit and I can't put weight on my wrists. I question the diagnosis of RA as my swelling isn't as bad as most, comes and goes, is never "hot" and redponds immediately to an increase in prednisone. I see a new doctor for second opinion next month.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lstar6]

Sounds like mine - and that is PMR

[Lstar6 in reply to PMRpro]

I really appreciate your input! My first rheumatologist wanted to immediately put me on Methotrexate. Everything in my being tells me not to do that and to dig deeper. Your input and the input of others on this forum makes me feel that I am justified in questioning the quick change in diagnosis. Thank you!

[AussieKid in reply to Lstar6]

I am down to 4 mgs Prednislone after 6 years and continuing to ever so slowly reduce. My left hand and wrist became very very stiff and a bit swollen a month ago and couldn’t be used to turn taps etc. I decided to split my dose 3 mgs before bed and 1 mg in the morning. It was like magic, the swelling and stiffness was reduced markedly the next morning such that I could close my fingers and turn on a tap. Maybe try splitting the dose?

Such a great site 🙌

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lstar6]

Some countries do use MTX early in PMR and there are some who think if it is to be used it should be used early. Others feel it has no role to play. It does work well for a small cohort of patients - but you don't know until you try. Prof Sarah Mackie in Leeds UK is carrying out a study to try to establish what role it has to play in PMR - because there hasn't been decent controlled study. The one previous quite small study that said there was a small benefit in terms of dose reduction after a year also said when they did a 5-year follow-up that there was no difference in pred effects. Which begs the question - why bother?

[Missus835]

Fingers swell occasionally, but I think it is more fluid related, it is not the joints and it is not daily. Very random (like yesterday). Not from excessive heat, i.e. weather. Not painful, just feel tight. Rings are tight, so I don't wear them.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

Just one meal out is enough excess salt for me to have swollen hands or feet!

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

I hear that! I don't add salt, but just eating something with salt in it brings back the swelling and also bags in the corners of my eyes. Recently I noticed that the bags had slightly disappeared, so the salt intake must have been very low. It's simply loverly.