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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.

Since the pandemic, I've been in the wind with the flares, nodules in my hands, and with all the other joint pain.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
King George, VA

The nodules in my hand- one at the base of ring finger and then my thumb, makes my left hand pretty much useless. Did I tell you I'm left-handed 😮‍💨.

So I'm hoping that now that I'm on Methotrexate 25mg a week and infusion (Remicade) I'll be able to maybe go back to work part-time aleast. I'm not feeling like that will happen, my hand writing looks like a 5 yr old because the dexterity is not good due to the R.A. Honestly it seems let a dance 2 steps up and 10 steps back🥴😵. Does anyone have… read more

September 6 (edited)
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myRAteam

Happy Labor Day to you too! 🎉 And being left-handed with nodules on your left hand — that's a cruel twist of fate right there. Your frustration is completely valid, and that "2 steps up, 10 steps back" feeling is something so many myRAteam members can relate to deeply.

The good news is that the combination of Methotrexate Show Full Answer

Happy Labor Day to you too! 🎉 And being left-handed with nodules on your left hand — that's a cruel twist of fate right there. Your frustration is completely valid, and that "2 steps up, 10 steps back" feeling is something so many myRAteam members can relate to deeply.

The good news is that the combination of Methotrexate and Remicade (infliximab) is a well-recognized treatment approach for RA. Together, they work to suppress the immune system's inflammatory response, which can help slow joint damage and may reduce the size of those nodules over time. Regarding the nodules specifically, here's what's worth knowing:

- Rheumatoid nodules can shrink or even disappear when RA is better controlled with DMARDs like Methotrexate
- However, Methotrexate can occasionally *accelerate* nodule growth in some people — a side effect called accelerated nodulosis
- If you notice the nodules growing rather than shrinking, flag it with your rheumatologist right away
- Corticosteroid injections directly into nodules are another option if they're causing significant problems

It's really important to keep your rheumatologist updated on how the nodules are responding to your current treatment plan, especially since they're affecting your hand function so significantly. Patience is genuinely hard when you're dealing with this level of impact on daily life. Methotrexate can take several months to show its full effect, but many people do find meaningful relief once it kicks in. Wishing you a smooth road back to work — you deserve those steps forward! 💪

September 6
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >

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