Could Psoriatic Arthritis Lead to Hard Bumps on the Hands?
Greetings, I’m a 26-year-old female living with psoriatic arthritis, and after experiencing a significant flare-up two years ago, I've developed noticeable joint deformities in my feet. Recently, I have quickly noticed the formation of hard, bone-like protrusions on my knuckles, specifically at the junction where my fingers meet my palms. Although these lumps are not painful by themselves, certain activities—such as gripping the steering wheel while driving—have started to cause discomfort. Is it possible for psoriatic arthritis to cause these kinds of joint swellings? I always thought this was a symptom exclusive to rheumatoid arthritis, as my grandmother suffers from it; however, my diagnosis is limited to psoriatic arthritis, to my knowledge. Can someone have multiple forms of arthritis concurrently? Additionally, I'm awaiting a call from my rheumatologist to schedule an appointment; the last time I had blood work done in February, my inflammation markers were within normal ranges, although I have been found to have a low count of red blood cells, which was expected.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 6:00:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some concerning changes related to your psoriatic arthritis, particularly with the development of hard lumps on your knuckles. It's understandable to have questions about these symptoms, and I'm here to assist you.
Key Points:
- Psoriatic arthritis can indeed lead to joint deformities and swellings similar to what you're describing.
- It's possible to have overlapping forms of arthritis, including psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider is essential.
Explanation:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints and can lead to changes in joint structure and skin. The hard lumps you're noticing on your knuckles could be related to bone growth or changes due to joint inflammation and deformity. While untreated or aggressive disease progression can cause such changes, it's also not uncommon for people with psoriatic arthritis to develop symptoms that could mimic those of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Given your history of low red blood cell counts and the inflammation markers being normal, it's wise to keep an eye on any new symptoms that arise. Joint deformities and discomfort, especially during activities, should always be evaluated, as they can indicate changes in the disease or the development of other conditions.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a record of when the lumps appear, their size, any pain levels during different activities, and any other symptoms you notice, such as swelling or redness.
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Continue Monitoring: Since you're awaiting a call from your rheumatologist, consider preparing questions regarding these changes and express your concerns about the hard lumps.
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Pain Management: While waiting for your appointment, you can utilize over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as needed for discomfort, ensuring they align with any other medications you are taking.
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Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises to maintain joint mobility without exacerbating pain. Activities like swimming or gentle stretching may help with flexibility and overall joint health.
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Follow-Up: At your next rheumatologist visit, be proactive in discussing all your symptoms, including how they affect your daily life, to adjust your treatment plan accordingly if needed.
These steps should help you manage your symptoms while you wait for your appointment. Remember, you are not alone in this, and your healthcare team is there to support you.
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