Yes, RA can absolutely affect your nerves. Between 10% and 50% of people with RA may develop a condition called peripheral neuropathy — damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It's more common than many people realize! Peripheral neuropathy can cause symptoms like:
- Pins-and-needles or prickling sensations
- Show Full Answer
Yes, RA can absolutely affect your nerves. Between 10% and 50% of people with RA may develop a condition called peripheral neuropathy — damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It's more common than many people realize! Peripheral neuropathy can cause symptoms like:
- Pins-and-needles or prickling sensations
- Numbness or tingling (often in hands, feet, or limbs)
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Painful or unusual sensations
Symptoms often appear on both sides of the body symmetrically. There are a few reasons why RA can lead to nerve issues:
- Inflammation and joint swelling can compress nearby nerves (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Anti-CCP antibodies linked to RA are associated with nerve damage
- Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels) can reduce blood flow to nerves
- Some RA medications, like leflunomide or anti-TNF treatments, can occasionally contribute to nerve symptoms
A myRAteam member shared that after stopping leflunomide, their neuropathy improved significantly. If any new tingling, numbness, or weakness is noticed, it's important to contact a healthcare provider promptly. Catching nerve issues early can make a real difference in managing them effectively. Treating the underlying RA with DMARDs may also help relieve neuropathy symptoms.
October 13
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
