Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Swollen And Curled Fingers In A Person With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis/scleroderma. I have been on Plaquenil for 5 months and methotrexate for going on 2 months. My fingers are swollen and curled such that I can t straighten them. I have not seen any relief at all. In fact, my condition has worsened significantly in that time. Now I am noticing that the skin on my forearms and inner thighs is red. Also, any time I touch anything with my forearms it leaves an indention. Even holding it against clothing causes an indention. I am beginning to wonder if my diagnosis is wrong. Thoughts?
Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
Sorry to hear your are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms you describe are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis especially the joint manifestations.This disease responds wells on methotrexate and symptoms can as well be controlled with plaquenil. Methotrexate however has as side effect reddening of the skin and may explain your symptoms.
However, being an auto-immune disorder, a possible association of rheumatoid arthritis with another auto-immune diseases like lupus should be eliminated.I will suggest you see a Rheumatologist or an Internist for an extensive evaluation.I will advise you exercise regularly, rest well and avoid stress.Heat and cold packs placement may help control pain occasionally when intense.
Hope my answer will help you
Best rgeards
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Swollen And Curled Fingers In A Person With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM Sorry to hear your are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms you describe are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis especially the joint manifestations.This disease responds wells on methotrexate and symptoms can as well be controlled with plaquenil. Methotrexate however has as side effect reddening of the skin and may explain your symptoms. However, being an auto-immune disorder, a possible association of rheumatoid arthritis with another auto-immune diseases like lupus should be eliminated.I will suggest you see a Rheumatologist or an Internist for an extensive evaluation.I will advise you exercise regularly, rest well and avoid stress.Heat and cold packs placement may help control pain occasionally when intense. Hope my answer will help you Best rgeards