Symptoms like numbness and tingling shouldn’t be ignored.
They can be a sign of nerve compression, nerve damage, and inflammation that indicates RA is worsening.
This article discusses the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and numbness and tingling and how to find relief.
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Numbness is a loss of sensation in one or more parts of the body.
It can result in physical symptoms like numbness and tingling in the affected areas.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that causes the body to create antibodies that attack healthy joints.
This results in joint pain, inflammation, and swelling affecting the joints and surrounding ligaments and nerves.
Over time,cartilagebreaks down, narrowing the space between bones, and joints can become unstable or stiff.
This can cause joints to shift out of proper alignment.
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent and irreversible joint damage.
The hands andfeetare most commonly affected by peripheral neuropathy.
These include:
Medications used to treat RA can also cause neuropathy.
Changing your medications may help.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy occurs with damage to the nerves that control your internal organs.
Where Do Symptoms Occur?
Symptoms most commonly occur in the hands, feet, and limbs.
Other times, treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
It can cause numbness and tingling along with the following symptoms:
Earlydiagnosiscan prevent serious complications.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Other healthy habits like following an anti-inflammatory diet and managing stress effectively can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Treatment for numbness and tingling from rheumatoid arthritis is reliant on managing the underlying cause of nerve compression.
It can include physical therapy, OTC treatments, and prescription medication, to name a few.
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