[Sputnik]

For about three weeks I've had a dull ache in the middle knuckles of my first two fingers on both hands. The ache is not continuous & doesn't even really seem to occur at specific times of the day. Sometimes they hurt when I grip something. They hurt when there's any sort of twisting motion (i.e. drying my hands) & after a full day of typing. They also ache when DGF holds my hand (when our fingers interlock) and her knuckles rub against mine. It's only these four knuckles & the aches started at the same time (about 3 weeks ago). I liken the ache to the mild aches that you feel in other joints when you have the flu - not painful, just annoying and bothersome. Is this arthritis? Surely the combined wisdom, knowledge, & expetise of the PRT can offer something.

 

[Sputnik]

Thinks for the move, Sierra. Didn't post in "The Side Line" to begin with since it's not really a running-related injury (thankfully) <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[carla]

You may have a better chance at some good responses here anyway. Glad its not running related though! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
As for me, I would have to ask, does it appear to be weather related? Meaning, does it happen anywhere from 2- 5 days before rain or even high humidity? I know that since getting older and now having arthitis, I do find that I am able to predict the weather! And its accurate at least 90% of the time!<br><br>
If I start aching, I will keep an eye on the weather, (after ingesting some Ibuprofen) and sure enough, it will change and either rain or something close to that.<br><br>
You might just wanna watch that for awhile and see if it fits. <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif"><br><br>
AHHH, the joys of old age! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[Nettie]

You may also want to put this in the 50somethings thread. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>
I kid, I kid!

 

[Sputnik]

You're lucky that I can't strangle you. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[jebba]

I'll ask mr jebba when he gets home. I suspect he'll suggest nsaids two or three times a day for a week.

 

[jebba]

Mr jebba wonders if you have a family history of auto-immune diseases? He says those joints are involved in rheumatoid arthritis. He says ibuprofen should help: two alleve twice a day. Am I good or what?<br><br><b>However</b>: He also suggests you get your iron levels checked. There's a disease called hemocromatosis (sp?) that means you have too much iron in your blood. Sometimes the only symptom is pain in the knuckles of those fingers (usually the knuckles at the base of the fingers). He says it's sometimes called a "handshake diagnosis" because people will complain of the pain when shaking someone's hand. If caught early, it's no big deal; you'd have to give blood every 2 or 3 months. But undiagnosed, it could cause problems.<br><br>
Please keep us updated.

 

[diablita]

Can you please thank Mr. Jebba for his insight? And thank you, Mrs. Jebba, for sharing it! What is your husband's specialty?<br><br><br>
And Sputnik, I hope the hand feels better soon!

 

[Sputnik]

DUDE!<br><br>
Thanks, jebba, for asking dr. mr. j about my hands. really appreciate it. No history of auto-immune diseases, to my knowledge. I've not been to a doctor in a while. Maybe I should swing in for a "tune up" & run this by 'em too.

 

[AgentZero]

If your doctor thinks it may be some form of arthritis, you definitely need to see a rheumatologist...a good one. Getting diagnosed and treated is very important because RA is a degenerative disease.<br><br>
I was diagnosed with RA a little over a year ago. The flare stared in my hands but quickly spread to my feet and knees to the point where I had great difficulty walking, opening doors, well really opening anything. One symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is that it is symetrical. It it happens in one hand (for example), you will also have the symptoms in the other hand. I feel lucky that x-rays showed no damage to my hands, feet or knees.<br><br>
Ibuprofen really did not work at all. I am on a medication that is typically prescribed for reheumatoid arthritis and most of the time I feel close to 100%. I am even back to running.<br><br>
Autoimmune diseases don't need to run in the family for you to have one...it does not run in my family and here I am.