Hand Cramps and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes and Relief
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“Muscle cramping in the hands is a very frequent symptom described by patients with RA,” Dr. Weselman says. “Inflammation of the joints and tendons in adjacent muscles can affect muscle function, making RA patients more prone to muscle cramps.”
And the joint stiffness that people with RA experience can mimic a muscle cramp, so it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the two, she says.
You may notice that cramping gets worse under certain conditions, such as in colder temperatures, during periods of increased joint inflammation, at times when you’re not using your hands as often (and your muscles are weakened as a result), or following repetitive activities such as typing or texting — which stress the hand muscles, she explains.
Although muscle spasms may be uncomfortable, they rarely cause any serious complications.
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