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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling And Fluid In The Elbow Causing Pain And Having A History Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Hi Dr. Siegel! I m a patient who has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20+ years. My right elbow is swollen, has fluid near the elbow and above the underarm where blood is usually taken from the vein area above the it throbs. Experiencing much pain; I just had x-rays of the right elbow taken waiting for results. Prior to taking the x-rays I asked the Rheumatologist for a cortisone shot but he insisted on getting results from the x-rays first. What information can you give me regarding this type of pain. I am currently taken Humira; took Enbrel in the past.
Mon, 3 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hello, I understand your concern over the issue. First of all you are RA positive( rheumatoid arthritis) for more than 20 years. Good that you are taking treatment for it from rheumatologist. RA is a slowly progressive autoimmune disease, hope your are taking medicines on time that your doctor has prescribed. Do not change or modify dosage or any medicine without asking your doctor. I hope you are doing routine blood tests advised by your doctor every 3-4 months and do follow ups. The medicines work to slow down the progression of the disease which damages joints.
For the elbow, looks like there is accumulation of fluid that is leading to swelling and pain. The pain and and swelling shall be there for some time but it will reduce after treatment. So till then I would suggest you do as per your doctor says. As first need to see the extent of joint damage and other things before giving you cortisone shot. Because if there is need to take the fluid out and get it examined, then that should be done prior giving you the cortisone injection if it is needed.The medicines you are taking for RA, keep taking those till you get the x-ray reports as your doctor advices. If the pain is extreme you can use pain killer spray for relief. Keep yourself active with slight exercising. And visit your doctor as soon as you get the results. After that your doctor will suggest you what next step to do.
Hope it helps. If any queries, feel free to contact. Stay healthy.
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What Causes Swelling And Fluid In The Elbow Causing Pain And Having A History Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

hello, I understand your concern over the issue. First of all you are RA positive( rheumatoid arthritis) for more than 20 years. Good that you are taking treatment for it from rheumatologist. RA is a slowly progressive autoimmune disease, hope your are taking medicines on time that your doctor has prescribed. Do not change or modify dosage or any medicine without asking your doctor. I hope you are doing routine blood tests advised by your doctor every 3-4 months and do follow ups. The medicines work to slow down the progression of the disease which damages joints. For the elbow, looks like there is accumulation of fluid that is leading to swelling and pain. The pain and and swelling shall be there for some time but it will reduce after treatment. So till then I would suggest you do as per your doctor says. As first need to see the extent of joint damage and other things before giving you cortisone shot. Because if there is need to take the fluid out and get it examined, then that should be done prior giving you the cortisone injection if it is needed.The medicines you are taking for RA, keep taking those till you get the x-ray reports as your doctor advices. If the pain is extreme you can use pain killer spray for relief. Keep yourself active with slight exercising. And visit your doctor as soon as you get the results. After that your doctor will suggest you what next step to do. Hope it helps. If any queries, feel free to contact. Stay healthy.