Which arthritis type affects primarily distal interphalangeal joints? (joints at the end of fingers & toes)?Which arthritis type affects primarily distal interphalangeal joints? (joints at the end of fingers & toes)
I ask because this is the joint pain I am experiencing in my hands and feet - just in the tips. I don't have osteoarthritis since I am early twenties and haven't worn out my joints, and I have read on a hospital site that rheumatoid arthritis hardly ever affects the distal interphalangeal joints, which leaves me wondering what else it could be then...
-Rob McG
It might not be arthritis - sometimes what seems like joint pain is caused by something else. Is it every distal joint, or just one one side of your body? Rheumatoid arthritis is much more likely to affect younger people than osteoarthritis, but it almost always occurs on one side of the body first.
Have you been doing anything recently - sports, work etc - out of the ordinary?
It could be referred pain from somewhere else, or muscle pain from overuse. Alternatively it could be neurological - if you're seriously worried about it stop getting advice from anonymous people on the internet and go get checked out ;)
-janiffer
Osteoarthritis affects distal interphalangeal joints (Heberden's nodes) and proximal interphalangeal joints (Bouchard's nodes).
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any synovial joint in the body, but usually occurs symmetrically.
Something to pay attention to, and your doctor will probably ask is when is the pain the most severe. RA pain is the most severe in the morning and lessens throughout the day and with gentle massage. OA pain worsens as the day progresses (with use). Also, if taking anti-inflammatory medicine such as IBUPROFEN helps.
The best thing you can do is see a doctor. It could be any list of things from reactions to your RA medicines, gout, infections, etc.
Arthritis Medication, Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment and Causes by Gooarthritis.info
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