Understanding MCP Joint Issues: Cracking Sensation and Minimal Discomfort
**Age:** 34 **Sex:** Male **Height/Weight:** 5'8", approximately 142 lbs **Location:** Hand joints (MCP) **Duration:** Over 1 year **Medical Background:** History of psoriasis **Medications:** Skyrizi Pen 150mg/ml **Smoking/Drugs:** None **Symptoms:** - Regular popping or cracking sounds from the **MCP joints**, predominantly affecting the middle and ring fingers, occasionally the pinky. - A feeling akin to the joints being **“dry” or lacking fluid**. - **Minimal discomfort**, primarily manifesting as an unstable or out-of-sync sensation. - Symptoms exacerbate **during periods of rest or sleep**, while less prominent throughout the day. - Intermittent popping in the wrist. - Absence of observable swelling, redness, or warmth. **Testing Outcomes:** - EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies revealed mild cervical radiculopathy and mild findings related to ulnar neuropathy. - Cervical MRI identified slight disc protrusions and stenosis at levels C5-C7. - Inflammation tests yielded normal results. **Inquiry:** Which medical specialty would be most suitable for addressing this situation — hand orthopedics, rheumatology to rule out psoriatic arthritis, neurology, or physical therapy? Additionally, does this symptom pattern indicate mechanical joint instability or potentially early inflammatory arthritis?
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 3:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms suggest a combination of potential mechanical issues and possibly neurological factors, particularly given your history of cervical radiculopathy and ulnar neuropathy. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and the steps you could take next:
Main Points:
- Cracking Sensation & Minimal Discomfort: The popping sounds and dry sensation in your MCP joints, along with your background, could point to joint mechanics or early signs of joint issues.
- Joint Specialty Considerations: Given your concerns and symptoms, individuals often seek input from multiple specialties to get a comprehensive understanding.
Explanation:
The cracking sound (also known as crepitus) in your joints can occur due to gas bubbles forming and bursting within the joint fluid. It can be entirely normal, especially when combined with minimal discomfort and no visible swelling or pain. However, the sensations you're experiencing could also indicate underlying mechanical instability or stress related to your cervical spine issues, especially since your symptoms worsen at rest.
Recommendations:
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Physical Therapy: Starting with physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your joint movements and possibly give you exercises to improve stability and reduce discomfort in your hands and the associated cervical spine areas. They can also teach you techniques to manage symptoms and strengthen your joints.
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Rheumatologist Consultation: Given your history of psoriasis, consulting a rheumatologist would be wise to rule out psoriatic arthritis. This condition can sometimes present with joint symptoms similar to what you describe, even in the absence of inflammation markers.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a simple log of your symptoms, noting any changes, particularly after physical activity or during rest. This can help both you and any specialists understand your condition better.
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Joint Care: Pay attention to rest and engage in low-impact activities that do not aggravate your hands. Adjusting your daily habits to reduce strain and allow your joints to recover can also be beneficial.
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Consider a Neurological Review: If symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness occur, following up with a neurologist may be appropriate since your nerve conduction studies have shown mild findings.
By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of your symptoms while also addressing potential underlying issues. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more details!
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