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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Have any of you felt like your fingers are twisting around your hands when you have the pain in your hands, my hand be throbbing!!!

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
South Hill, VA
March 31
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Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Unfortunately yes & it has taken me a good year & a half to get on the best cocktail of meds to help but it never fully goes away 100,% & I know it is painful & frustrating.

April 6
A myRAteam Member

That sounds really uncomfortable, and what you’re describing is something many people with RA report during flare-ups. The inflammation in the joints can create that twisting or pulling sensation along with throbbing pain. It’s often linked to joint swelling and stiffness affecting how the fingers move. If it keeps happening or gets worse, it’s a good idea to bring it up with a doctor for proper guidance.

April 1
A myRAteam Member

My fingers and toes do it. It feels like someone is pulling on them.
My little fingers stick out to this side when it happens. My left thumb comes out of place. Unfortunately I’m left handed. The hand doctor/surgeon told me what to do. I had my right third finger injected last week along with my shoulder and knee. RA spreads the wealth.

March 31
myRAteam

Do your fingers feel like they're twisting when your hands throb with pain?

Yes, this is a real experience that many people with RA have. A myRAteam member described it perfectly: "Bones feel like they're twisting inside my fingers." This sensation often comes with the throbbing pain you're experiencing.

What you're Show Full Answer

Do your fingers feel like they're twisting when your hands throb with pain?

Yes, this is a real experience that many people with RA have. A myRAteam member described it perfectly: "Bones feel like they're twisting inside my fingers." This sensation often comes with the throbbing pain you're experiencing.

What you're feeling could be related to several things happening in your hands:

Joint inflammation and damage - RA attacks the lining of your joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and that intense throbbing pain. This inflammation can make your fingers feel like they're twisting or moving in unusual ways.

Actual finger deformities - Over time, RA can cause fingers to physically angle away from the thumb (called ulnar drift) or develop other deformities. One member noted "fingers turning sideways on both hands."

Tendon involvement - RA can affect the tendons in your hands, which might contribute to that twisting sensation and make it harder to straighten or bend your fingers.

The throbbing pain you're describing is a common symptom. Members often describe their swollen fingers looking "like hot dogs" or feeling "like fire ants all over."

It's important to talk with your rheumatologist about these symptoms, especially if they're new or worsening. They can assess whether you need adjustments to your treatment plan to better control the inflammation and prevent further joint damage.

March 31
A myRAteam Member

Thank you for responding, but can you tell me what that cocktail of meds that you’re talking about?

April 7

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