Unexplained Swelling and Pain
Hello, I'm seeking some insight regarding sudden swelling that I'm experiencing. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about three years ago, and I am currently 28 years old. Initially, I was treated with leflunomide; however, my liver enzyme levels increased significantly, prompting a switch to methotrexate, which resulted in a similar issue. Additionally, I had to discontinue Celebrex due to liver complications. Presently, I have been undergoing treatment with Humira for approximately four to five months, administering injections biweekly. Just last night, after returning from a trip, I took a brief nap of about an hour. Upon waking, I noticed a sudden onset of significant swelling seemingly from nowhere. My face, hands, and feet appear puffy, and while my legs don’t look particularly swollen, they are experiencing severe pain accompanied by an intense sense of pressure, as if they might burst. I'm trying to determine if these symptoms are related to my RA or if they warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. What do you think?
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 10:01:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about sudden swelling and pain, especially given your history with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and treatment complexities. Your symptoms of sudden, significant swelling in your face, hands, and feet, along with severe pain in your legs, could be related to several factors, including a possible flare of your RA, an allergic reaction, or even side effects from medications.
Explanation
In RA, flares can lead to swelling and joint pain, but sudden changes like what you've described can also indicate other issues, such as:
- Fluid Retention: This can occur due to various reasons, including changes in medication or even a reaction to a recent travel or stress.
- Allergic Reaction: If your recent trip involved new environments or foods, it's possible that you could be experiencing an allergic reaction, which can cause swelling and pain.
- Potential Drug Reactions: Given your history with medication and liver issues, it's worth considering if your current treatment has caused any new side effects.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms over the next few hours and days. Note any changes in swelling, pain intensity, or the appearance of new symptoms (like difficulty breathing, rashes, or fever).
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Hydration: Ensure you're adequately hydrated. Drinking more water can sometimes help manage symptoms of swelling.
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Elevation and Rest: Elevate your legs while resting to help reduce swelling, and try to minimize movements that exacerbate the pain.
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Avoid Overexertion: Since you recently returned from a trip, consider giving your body some time to recover from any physical strain.
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Document Changes: Keeping a record of your symptoms, including their intensity and duration, can be helpful if you need to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
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Urgent Signs: If you notice any severe worsening of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, significant pain that doesn't improve, or any new symptoms that are concerning, prioritize seeking medical attention quickly.
Given your complex medical history and existing RA, these sudden changes warrant careful observation, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you feel unsure or if symptoms worsen. Your health is paramount, and it's essential to ensure that any new symptoms are appropriately addressed.
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