Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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RA and twitching?

BarryD
BarryD
I was DX with RA about 6 years ago. I have been on just about every RA med out there but nothing seems to control my symptoms. Something that seems to be happening more often is twitching. Watching TV, my right foot may jump, then the remote control may fall out of my hand because my hand let go. I church a few weeks ago I couldn't hold the bulletin, my hand was shaking then my hand just flung the bulletin. Sometimes it is just small muscle twitches in my thighs or calves.

I have discussed it with my Rheumy, she doesn't have any ideas. Also talked with my primary. He sent me to a neurologist who sent me for an MRI of my head, no issues found. That neuro guy had the bedside manner of an angry snake so tried a different neuro. The new guy said he couldnt DX me until I "got clean and sober". He was referencing the pain and antidepressant meds I am on. So next step was to try a Nerve Conduction Study. They tested my arms and legs but found no issues.

I am very down that this is happening to me and no one can give a cause. I read the inserts with the RA meds and they reference demyelinating issues with nerves. I seem to notice more twitching shortly after my injection or infusion. I don't know if I am being a hypochondriac about this or not.

If anyone has some experience with this occurring with their RA I would greatly appreciate some input.

I thank you all in advance for reading and posting your thoughts.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Has anybody ever said anything about fibromyalgia? Muscle spasms (twitches, shaking, thumping, jumping) can be a symptom of fibromyalgia. Constant spasms can range from annoting to downright painful. I had a sleep study some 20 years ago, to confirm that the thousands of muscle spasms I had in the course of a night prevented me from getting the necessary deep (Delta, Stage IV) sleep wherein growth hormone is produced to repair the countaintless microlesions we all get through everyday activity. The same doctor who ordered the sleep study had also prescribed Prozac (seratonin reuptake inhibitor) to reduce pain, but the sleep doc told me that induces insomnia. When I finally got sleep under control, to a reasonable point, I improved. I also do a lot of stretching and take magnesium supplements.

best wishes.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've noticed lately that I have been twitching randomly as well. For instance, my leg will twitch while laying in bed which is very painful with my RA, but there is nothing I can do because the movements are involuntary. I never talked to a doctor about it but I just assumed its odd little spasms here and there, or related to the army of medicines I'm on. I've had RA for 12 years and am currently 27yrs old. Something new I've started is morphine and oxycodone for pain management so maybe its related? You said something about pain meds. so that is a common in our cases.
sandi7213
sandi7213
wow, they actually said clean and sober...what ever..

I do get this, like buddacat said it really makes a difference with sleep. plus being treated for fibro helps alot tp. Im sleeping better with some new meds so I don't get this as often. but I know what you mean when your hand jerks and your body feels like you cant control it

best of luck