It can definitely feel that way — like one day everything was fine and the next your fingers have a mind of their own! With RA, joint changes can sometimes seem sudden, but they're usually the result of ongoing inflammation quietly doing its thing over time.
There are a few finger and hand changes that are common with RA:
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It can definitely feel that way — like one day everything was fine and the next your fingers have a mind of their own! With RA, joint changes can sometimes seem sudden, but they're usually the result of ongoing inflammation quietly doing its thing over time.
There are a few finger and hand changes that are common with RA:
- Ulnar drift — fingers angle away from the thumb, making gripping difficult
- Swan-neck deformity — the middle joint overextends while the fingertip bends inward
- Boutonniere deformity — the middle joint bends and won't straighten, while the fingertip bends backward
- Hitchhiker's thumb — the thumb forms a Z-shape due to abnormal bending
Other members of myRAteam have shared similar experiences. One myRAteam member described it as "bones feel like they're twisting inside my fingers," while another noted their "fingers turning sideways on both hands." It's really important to bring this up with your rheumatologist as soon as possible. Catching these changes early gives the best chance of slowing progression and protecting your hand function. Don't wait on this one! 💙
July 19
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