loss of feeling | Arthritis Information

Can anyone help, Has any of you loss feeling in your hands and fingers and some time toes. It feels like my fingers are frozen and it lasts all day. Been having bad head aches to.

its true that the RA can put pressure on the nerves causing tingling and numbness BUT other potential causes should be ruled out first.

If you are not able to communicate well with your doctors take someone with you who will advocate for you. Or go find a medical team that you can work with. Whichever it doesn't sound like you and your doctor are working well together

I used to have a lot of headaches when certain meds were added. One thing I've found that helps is drinking lots of water. When I drink enough water I don't seem to be bothered by headaches. I know that sounds too simple, but give it a try.

What would cause my fingers to go numb and turn white even when they haven't been exposed to cold temperatures?

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

You may be describing Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition that causes some parts of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and change color. Although these changes usually result from exposure to cold temperatures, they can also be triggered by strong emotions or stress.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder of the blood vessels in the skin. During an attack, these blood vessels narrow, which restricts blood flow to the affected areas.

The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon can't always be determined. In such cases, it is referred to as Raynaud's disease. But Raynaud's phenomenon can be associated with:

Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)
Repeated trauma from vibrating tools such as a jackhammer

Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:

Medications to relax the walls of blood vessels
Avoiding cold exposure
Stopping smoking

Treatment of any underlying condition also is important.

Raynaud's disease

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Angel57, here is the link if you wish.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/numb-fingers/AN01323

LEV
levlarry39212.7816666667

Does this happen when you are cold? Do you fingers change color? I have Raynauds and my fingers get very cold and numb, even when it is not that cold. It also happens when I am tired. For your doctor to tell you it is just RA is not a good answer. No matter what is wrong he should explain what he thinks it is and what can be done to help you feel better.

The headaches may be another clue that something else may be wrong. Make a list of questions and things you want to tell the dr. and see if someone can go with you who will help you. My husband goes with me to all my appts and that is a big help, especially if I don't feel well.

Laker

I immediately thought of Raynuads when I reasd your post. Another possibility could be neuropathy.

The headaches could be plaquenil. It is a side effect from that med.

Please just make an appt. and just go in and talk to them. Sometimes you can make more headway with docs face to face.

I have Raynauds and it's very much like you describe. Mine is worse in the winter.....but even in the warmer temps it doesn't take much to bring it on. Everytime I go to the grocery store it happens and it will take a while for it to go away. It doesn't however last all day and it's not constant. If yours is that should definately be of concern to your doctor. RA can cause the Raynauds and maybe that's what your doctor meant by "It's the RA" but like Laker said, you deserver a better explanation than that from your doctor. My doctor always gives me little pamplets on my different conditions or he'll write the name of things down for me and tell me to look it up on WebMD for more information.

I also have recently been having problems with what my doctor believes could be Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. I'll wake in the middle of the night with my hands numb.....or kind of tingling feeling. It's very painful though. It's almost as if my hands have fallen asleep and I can't wake or control them. There is also a condition that's simular that can happen in the feet. Could this be your problem? Just a thought.

loss of feeling | Arthritis Information

What would cause my fingers to go numb and turn white even when they haven't been exposed to cold temperatures?

- No name / No state given

Answer

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