It sounds like you're dealing with a really tough situation, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when RA keeps progressing despite treatment. Managing worsening joint damage, nerve pain, and spread to new areas like the feet is a lot to handle at once.
Low-dose radiation (sometimes called radiotherapy) Show Full Answer
It sounds like you're dealing with a really tough situation, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when RA keeps progressing despite treatment. Managing worsening joint damage, nerve pain, and spread to new areas like the feet is a lot to handle at once.
Low-dose radiation (sometimes called radiotherapy) for RA joint pain is a less common approach, but it has been used in some cases to reduce inflammation in specific joints when other treatments haven't provided enough relief. It's worth having a detailed conversation with your doctor about what outcomes to expect and any potential risks. Since RA is still progressing on your current regimen, your doctor may also consider adjusting your treatment plan. Some options that are explored when earlier treatments aren't working well enough include:
- JAK inhibitors – a type of targeted synthetic DMARD
- Other biologics – such as etanercept or infliximab
- Combination therapy – using more than one medication together
For the nerve-related tenderness and pinching you're experiencing, this can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy linked to RA progression. It's important to flag this specifically with your doctor, as prompt attention can make a real difference. For your hands specifically, some supportive options worth discussing include:
- Splints or orthoses – to reduce pain, swelling, and slow deformity
- Compression gloves – a myRAteam member shared they're a "lifesaver" for hand pain, especially when typing
- Occupational therapy – to help design exercises and assistive strategies
For feet and toes, orthopedic inserts or supportive footwear can help with walking and standing comfort as RA progresses to those areas.
Always loop your rheumatologist in before trying new devices or therapies to make sure they're right for your specific situation.
July 20
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