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RA: Nodules under knuckles and under toes - anyone else?
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis with positive RF ( rheumatoid factor ) three years ago. I think my RF is borderline at 10.5 but I have other positive antibodies and pain and swelling in many joints as well as plantar pain and heel and pain in the ankles ( tendinitis ) my knees are always swollen and painful etc etc
I also have OA ( osteoarthritis ) in some joints
Lately I have been puzzled by small painful "balls” under my skin. Some are mobile. They are under several knuckles and under one the big toes.
My doctor only saw the one under my big toe and said is RA thickening of the skin versus RA nodules but now I have several under my knuckles but the first falange which is usually OA. The X-ray of the toes showed very mild OA in the toes.
Anyone experiencing something the same?
I read about OA and RA nodules but they develop ON knuckles not UNDER and they look different and my nodules are small balls and very painful which OA are not.
Thank you in advance for any response
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@kenyalama, My mother had severe rheumatoid arthritis and had painful nodules on her hands but I don't remember if they were also under the knuckles. Her finger joints were larger than normal due to the swelling. She was on some kind of medication but I don't remember what it was. Here's an article I found that talks about rheumatoid nodules that may provide some more information for you.
Rheumatoid nodules: Symptoms, causes, and pictures: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319839
Are you on medication to treat your rheumatoid arthritis?
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1 ReactionHello @kenyalama Little nodules undue the skin must be very puzzling. I understand that you were diagnosed with RA at the Mayo Clinic several years ago. Have you spoken to those doctors about the new nodules?
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2 ReactionsActually at the Mayo Clinic I was diagnosed with arachnoiditis and pelvic floor dysfunction back in 2010. At that time I did not have symptoms of RA at all. Only in 2016 after a car accident ( not my fault ) my body started to crumble down.
I was diagnosed with RA, trigeminal neuralgia ( relentless )
dislocation of both jaws and the list goes on.
I have a very good rheumatologist here in Houston but last time I saw him I only had the one under my big toe that he suspected as a rheumatoid thickening of the skin
I can’t see him until October and they are not horribly painful that I can’t wait
I was checking with buddies to find out if anyone had the same?
What I read about RA nodules are on top of knuckles and these ones are under and pretty painful so I am puzzled as you put it
Thank you so much for your prompt response !
Hi John,
I am so sorry about your mother !
Yes I am on Humira and Methrotexate but lately I had to get a steroid shot once in awhile
Thank you for the article
I will surely read ito
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1 ReactionHi Kenyalama, interesting username. I'm reading a book at the moment that takes place in Kenya.
I'd like to bring in a few other RA members into this discussion like @oregongirl @gtdez @kozlo52 @tigerlilly @boomerexpert @candrgonzalez @tracykarran @adlttl123 @devonsnana
You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra-introduce-yourself-and-meet-others/
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2 ReactionsI have tiny hard bumps under the skin on the back on both hands. Like say 20 on right and 6 on left. They can move a little and no pain. Pine nut size. Doc seemed unconcerned,