.....arthritis in knuckles?

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Hi all

Has anyone got lumps on their knuckles from their arthritis? I've had a sore lump on one knuckle for the last 6 months or so and it was confirmed as a bony growth due to inflammation. I'm now getting pains in the other hand and 2 knuckle joints on my other hand are looking like going the same way. I'm on methotrexate and not due to see my consultant until December but I'm worried this joint damage is obviously irreversible and I'm scared to just leave it. I'm only 35 and don't want to end up with deformed hands, it's starting to really get me down.
Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Bump....

[babyjane67]

Hi icant
Is it osteoarthritis you have?
Ive been diagnosed with oa in my right hand after having a carpal tunnel op in may
Ive since noticed that both my hands,left elbow&left knee are also painful alot of the time
my gp has said its prob oa too&to tell physio when i go in a couple of wks
I havent got the knobbly knuckles yet but my mum has these&apparently its a classic oa thing!
Go back to yr gp&ask for a referral to a osteo physio
I know some people also see a rheumatologist too
Hth

[babyjane67]

Im46by the way which is why i was referred to osteo physio as they said its very young to be getting oa!
Plus ive got a5yr old!lol

[wonkylegs]

If you still have very active disease on MTX, I would say that your consultant should be looking at combined therapy (MTX + something else) or biologics.
I'm on MTX + Humira and it's a brilliant combination for me. Took a while to get used to injecting but it's fab.
I'd get yourself an appointment and ask about moving on with your treatment as it's obvious you seem to still have very active disease.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Hi baby and wonky I've got psoriatic arthritis. I'm due to see my consultant next month. Ive only been on methotrexate 3/4 months so still early days. Problem is I've been off it 3 wks in between too due to going on antibiotics so don't think that's helped. Taking the tablets is making me really sick at the minute so going to ask about the injections. I'm 35 with a 2yr old and 5yr old and I feel about 70!!

[wonkylegs]

I feel for you - I'm 34 and have had RA for nearly 15yrs and I have a 5yo. Unfortunately the meds do take a while to get working but I would still share concerns with your consultant.
Look at what you could do to support coping with the kids with your dr. Is there a short term boost of steroids that might help whilst you wait for the MTX to kick in?

[wonkylegs]

Oh and re:sickness have you tried upping your folic acid as that sometimes helps. I'm very lucky that the MTX works without too bad a side effects for me but I know of others that swear by upping the dose.