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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Swelling In Knuckles A Symptom Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

I have noticed that the knuckles on both my middle fingers swell often. If I knock on a door, or anything for that matter, they turn red and swell, causing pain. It is not severe pain, but I am concerned because it seems to be getting worse. I can't bend my middle fingers completely without them swelling and hurting. The swelling seems to be lasting longer now, and my knuckles stay purple now, even without the swelling. My grandmother has RA, so I am wondering if I should see a doctor about this even though it doesn't cause severe pain. I have read about RA and I don't want to take a chance waiting too long and missing the chance to have it caught early. Thanks for any help in this matter.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Fri, 1 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 1 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case with diligence.


If not relieved then possibility of polyarthritis needs to be considered

Rheumatoid arthritis may involve small joints and early morning stiffness in joints, do you have such complain?
Ankylosing spondylitis typically involve spine and hips with other large joint also. There is reduced chest function in this disease. Stiffness in spine is increased do you have such stiffness in spine?

When such patients come to our hospital I advise them blood test like RA factor, ACCP, ESR, complete blood count, HLA B27

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

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Is Swelling In Knuckles A Symptom Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Hello, I have studied your case with diligence. If not relieved then possibility of polyarthritis needs to be considered Rheumatoid arthritis may involve small joints and early morning stiffness in joints, do you have such complain? Ankylosing spondylitis typically involve spine and hips with other large joint also. There is reduced chest function in this disease. Stiffness in spine is increased do you have such stiffness in spine? When such patients come to our hospital I advise them blood test like RA factor, ACCP, ESR, complete blood count, HLA B27 Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care