Hello "ya'all", its good to hear your voices again. I have a quick question regarding swelling of the fingers and hands. I had a rd visit and told the doc about the pain in my fingers and wrists. The pain had been waking me up during the last several weeks and had gone away after a prednisone pack. My wife had my wedding ring strected out an additional 1/2 size and I was still having trouble wearing it because on bad days it would cut into my skin. Still, the rd, who is usually very sincere, looked at my hands and thought that the swelling was minimal and that the pains are likely caused by some other injury (ligiment,etc). Question: how much swelling is "normally" associated with the progression of ra in the hands and wrists. I know that there is no normal, but I'd like to hear about what the sideboards are.
Thanks. And again, glad to see "ya'all".
I think the ring finger swelling is pretty good proof that it's RA swelling and not an injury. I just hate when doctor's minimize it. My hands don't normally look all that swollen, but I sure can tell they are.
Ask for xrays and don't settle for an off-the-wall comment like that. Hands and wrists are among the first joints to show erosion, although that hasn't been my case.
It is possible that your ligament is swelling. Tendons and ligaments do swell also. And they are painful. In that case, using ice or heating packs will give you some good relief.
It is also very easy to injure tendons and ligaments. What you would consider very little effort, like using a tool, with RA can really cause you problems. That's why you hear about people not being able to open jars, buttoning things, etc.
If it continues, then definitely call back and see if there is anything you can do. There are hand and finger exercises you can use. You should protect your hands when possible with gloves or wrist supports.
I hope it goes away.
I had to have my wedding ring resized due to RA in the finger joints. I'm not always aware that my hands are swollen but something like a ring being too tight brings it to your attention. It sounds like probable RA to me.