Question
I have been an IDDM pt since age 14. I am now 53 and was diagnosed with RA 14 years ago. I am disabled but try and do as much as possible. I am wondering, a month ago out of nowhere my fingertips bil are numb. I am wondering if it is perepheral vascular disase or my medications I am on. Methotrexate 6 tabs every week Hydrocortisone 20mg BID subject to change as my condition warrents Insulin Sulfasalazine 500mg 2 am and 2 pm Vitorin 10/40 1 pm Hyzaar 100/24 i am Norvasc 10 mg 1 am I will be seeing my RA Dr in March as well as my endocrinologist just hoping you may have an answer.
Answer
This is impossible to answer without seeing you. But in general, numbness can be the result of vascular or neurologic (nerve) problems. Neuropathy or nerve damage can occur in both RA and diabetes, more commonly and more severe in longstanding diabetes. Neuropathy can also be secondary to a pinched nerve anywhere from the spine to the fingertips. Carpal tunnel or pinched nerve at the wrists is an example. You will need a thorough examination and possibly further testing such a nerve conduction test.
