Is hand joint swelling MS-related? The short answer is: it can be, but indirectly.
MS doesn't directly cause joint inflammation, but it can lead to joint symptoms through a chain reaction of nerve and muscle changes. Here's how MS can indirectly contribute to hand joint swelling:
- Muscle spasms can affect the muscles Show Full Answer
Is hand joint swelling MS-related? The short answer is: it can be, but indirectly.
MS doesn't directly cause joint inflammation, but it can lead to joint symptoms through a chain reaction of nerve and muscle changes. Here's how MS can indirectly contribute to hand joint swelling:
- Muscle spasms can affect the muscles controlling your hands, leading to stiffness and reduced movement
- Decreased movement can cause excess fluid buildup, which leads to swelling
- Spasticity causes tight muscles that keep joints bent or straight and hard to move
- Joint contractures can freeze or immobilize a joint, contributing to dysfunction and swelling
A MyMSTeam member shared, "My hands will spasm into claws so badly that I refrain from driving any farther than the store." It's also worth knowing that certain MS medications, like ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), can cause swelling as a side effect. If you're on any MS treatments, that could be a factor too.
It's always a good idea to flag any new or worsening swelling to your healthcare provider so they can help pinpoint the cause and find the best way to manage it.
May 21
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