Does anyone have trouble with the nerves in their elbows? I have active RA and I was diagnosed 13 years ago. This is a new thing for me with numbness in my arms and it feels like I have bumped the crazy bone in my elbows all of the time. I am currently taking several meds and today they are going to try nerve conduction tests because the latest cortisone injections didn't help with any acute swelling. Has anyone else dealt with this? Current meds: Enbrel, Plaquenil, ibuprofen 800mg., Tramadol.
Q: Does anyone have trouble with the nerves in their elbows?
Answers (3)
8/ 4/12 9:44am
Hi, Poppy,
I have had swelling in my elbows for years, and sometimes my middle, ring and little fingers on both hands tingle and go a little numb. Right now, they are better. Mine comes and goes. Muscle relaxants seem to help me.
A lot of people do have surgery if the symptoms get too severe. They can relocate the nerve in you elbow.
Please let us know how your testing goes. Hope you get some relief soon.
Best Wishes,
V
8/ 5/12 7:59am
You're welcome, Poppy. My issues seem to ebb and flow in direct relation to how well my RA is controlled. My elbows are one of my oldest "trouble spots", so they are one of the first places to act up during a flare. I have to say that the braces do help me. I wear them at night. I have never used the elbow pads. I'm hoping that if you can give those nerves a rest, they will become happier and stop givingyou problems. In the meantime, hang in there. There are always options.
Peace,
V
8/ 2/12 11:48am
yes I have. My was caused by gunk in and around where the nerve goes thro. Had emg and was told no permanent damage. Was put on meds to help and it didn't. Surgeon said he could go in and clean it out. But because I had severe deformity in my elbow and very much pain, I choice to have a total elbow replacement. That was six years ago and i love my elbow. Took me about 12 weeks to recover but well worth it. No pain and movement back. Currently waiting to get my other elbow replaced. Good luck
8/19/12 9:15pm
Hi Poppy,
Did your rheumatologist talk about possible neurological side-effects of Enbrel (which can cause tingling and numbness)? Before pursuing surgery, I'd want to make sure that there might not be other causes of the symptoms. But having no nerve conduction going down from your elbow to your hand is certainly concerning. I hope that the braces and pads help give your nerves a rest. It was assumed carpal tunnel syndrome which finally led to my own RA diagnosis.
Lisa
8/19/12 9:23pm
Wow - I have been on Enbrel for 13 years and I hadn't heard of the neurological side-effects. Thank you - I will make sure to ask when I go back in a couple of weeks. I had the same carpal tunnel tests before my RA diagnosis as well. The elbow pads feel good, but there hasn't been any improvement. I am used to wearing hand and wrist splints at night so at least the wrist brace isn't anything too new. I always think I look like I am going into battle when I get ready for bed - what a sight I must be! :) Luckily my husband has never laughed. Thank you again for letting me know about the side-effects. It is always good to go in with information to discuss.
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Thank you V. The nerve conduction tests showed that there is no nerve activity from my elbow down to my fingers, but there is activity going UP. Very interesting. My hands tingle and I have that crazy pain and numbness at the same time. They did talk about surgery, but wrist braces to keep the nerves in the neutral position and elbow pads to help cushion the nerves for a month and then a visit to the neurologist. It's a great look! :) And just in time for school to start (I'm a teacher). Thank you for telling me that you have the same thing. I hope your tingly fingers get better.