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Are painful swollen hands and fingers a PMR flare?
I got off prednisone for PMR after almost 3 years in April. In February I had woken with swollen painful hands and fingers. Because of how I sleep it was diagnosed unseen as carpal tunnel. Finally saw my rheumatologist and she thinks it could be a PMR flare,didn’t look like carpal tunnel. That makes sense to me but she has put me back on only 3mg. of prednisone. I have no strength in my hands and can’t make a fist. Very limited in what I’m able to do.
When first diagnosed with PMR and in terrible pain this same rheumatologist started me on 5mg. of prednisone which did nothing.
Finall got up to 20mg. And got some relief.
Has anyone else had issues with your hands during or after being on prednisone for PMR? I also just found out there is osteoarthritis in my hands.
Thanks!
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@formerpaa70, I moved your question to this related discussion that @deborahinmaine started just a few days ago:
- Are painful swollen hands and fingers a PMR flare? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-painful-swollen-hands-and-fingers-a-pmr-flare/
You may also be interested in this discussion:
- PMR and Hand issues: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hands-and-pain/
See all related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/?search=hand%20&index=discussions
Is the flare affecting both hands?
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2 Reactionsyes, both exactly same
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1 Reactioni have terribly painful hands suddenly this week. down to 2 mgs pred since monday. i never had an issue w hands with any PMR flares in the past 10:years.
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4 ReactionsYes. My hands are getting worse. My new Dr believes I have RA not PMR.
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1 ReactionI am down to 1 mg of prednisone after 3 years. I am also experiencing grip weakness and pain. My left hand is much more painful and my rheumatologist states it is osteoarthritis. However, it was one of my first acute symptoms before being diagnosed with PMR🤷🏼♀️I’ve tried every cream, massage, soaking my hands in ice water…the ice water worked best. Sorry…this isn’t fun.
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4 ReactionsI think there are tests for RA. I dont think its as easy to misdiagnose as PMR. I could be wrong. I know they somehow ruled that out in my case.
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1 ReactionOff everything since mid February. 3 weeks ago woke up with a swollen right hand and wrist, my dominant hand. No better after using Tylenol and Volteran. I now have sausage fingers and can’t get a ring on. Right now at 707 AM can’t make a fist. I was first diagnosed in January 23 and have no desire to go back on prednisone.
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3 Reactions@wilmingtonemperor I'm sorry to about your recent flare up. I'm wondering if it might be something else going on. Here's an article on the topic that might be helpful.
--- Dactylitis (Sausage Fingers): https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/dactylitis
Does your doctor think it's related to your PMR?
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2 ReactionsHopefully the hand doctor you are going to see will schedule an EMG test to rule out carpel tunnel. After my PMR diagnosis and was put on Prednisone, I noticed my hands swelling while I slept and did not get better until hours after my morning dose of Prednisone,which I found odd but was happy for relief. But aside from seeing a rheumatologist, I went to a neurologist for second opinion and he sent me for the EMG. I needed to rule out carpel tunnel (which the test did) and be sure I was being treated for what I actually had. Good luck
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1 ReactionDo you also have RA?