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Tendon involvement is a real and common part of living with RA. The inflammation that RA causes can spread beyond the joints into the surrounding tendons and ligaments, which can lead to some significant challenges over time.

Here's what tendon involvement in RA can look like:

- Trigger finger – inflammation in the tendons Show Full Answer

Tendon involvement is a real and common part of living with RA. The inflammation that RA causes can spread beyond the joints into the surrounding tendons and ligaments, which can lead to some significant challenges over time.

Here's what tendon involvement in RA can look like:

- Trigger finger – inflammation in the tendons causes fingers to get stuck in a bent position
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – swelling and inflammation of tendons in the wrist cause numbness and tingling in the fingers
- Tendon weakening or tearing – RA can weaken tendons to the point of rupture in severe cases
- Deformities – tendons losing their shape can cause fingers and limbs to slowly bend out of alignment, such as Boutonniere deformity or swan neck deformity

The hands and wrists are the most commonly affected areas, with around 70% of people with RA eventually experiencing symptoms there. Tendons in the ankles, elbows, shoulders, and knees can also be affected. The good news is there are ways to manage tendon involvement:

- Hand exercises – gentle movements like finger touches, joint extensions, finger walks, and wrist stretches can help maintain mobility and reduce inflammation buildup in tendons
- Physical therapy – helps strengthen muscles around the joints to ease pressure on tendons
- DMARDs – disease-modifying medications can help slow RA progression and reduce tendon damage
- Surgery – in severe cases, tendon repair surgery can partially restore function and relieve pain, though it's not a cure for RA

It's always worth talking to your rheumatologist if you notice new or worsening tendon symptoms, as catching changes early can make a big difference in outcomes.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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