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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 5/1/2014 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all~I have had RA for 3 years now. I'm 50 and an taking Imuran and Aleve. I've spent some time today reading your posts and of course helps me knowing there are others out there that understand what I'm going through. My pain is in my hands and balls of my feet but most recently in my right jaw! Are any of you experiencing that kind of pain? I look forward to hearing from you.
Posted 5/1/2014 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have RA but I did have a terrible months-long flare of enteritis arthritis (joint pain due to IBD). It started in my major joints (shoulders, hips, knees) and ended up everywhere. But the worse was my jaw. It got to the point where jogging hurt my JAW too much, ugh.

I am a tooth grinder and the jaw pain started, I think, because I lost my night guard. It took a month to replace it and that's when everything went to hell in a handbasket. I ended up on steroids to address the big picture story of my jaw pain, but getting my night guard back was what finally relieved the jaw stuff.

Have you talked to your dentist about whether you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night?
Posted 5/1/2014 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi kazbern. Thanks for your response! I used to grind my teeth at night years ago and do know what that feels like. I do plan to talk to dentist next appt but I'm pretty sure this is from the RA. It's a different pain and I have no jaw clicking. I'm still waiting to hear back from Rheumy. Ugh:(
Posted 5/2/2014 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi There:

I didn't get the jaw pain until about 4 years ago. It is sad that we cannot eat normal foods without bad jaw pain sometimes. It scared me at first since I thought I would always have it, like my bad knees and other joints. I haven't had anyone comment about me grinding my teeth, so far. My SIL does that, so I know it is quite noticeable.

I do wear my mouth guard when my jaw is in pain and it seems to work well. I was skeptical at first.

Is the Imuran working okay for you? That was one of my favourite meds. I had no side effects and I was in remission for 3 - 4 years which was a Miracle for me.

Post Edited (msOuchie) : 5/1/2014 6:40:59 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/2/2014 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have had RA for 20 years and I have had jaw pain off and on the entire time. Sometimes bad enough that eating is really painful. I hope you feel better soon, I tried ice and also heat to help when it gets very bad and both seem to have their place.

I too have ground my teeth a lot. It is something stress related for me and I simply must master stress. It is very destructive and has caused some very bad flares for me. I pray and meditate and it has helped me. I hope you feel better soon, god bless!
Posted 5/2/2014 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Don...Good advice about stress. You take care.
Posted 5/5/2014 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, my pain has mostly been in my fingers, jaw, and ball of my foot. Although lately my shoulders and hips have started to bother me off and on. I'm 35 and taking 400mg Plaquinil and naproxen for RA. The pain in my jaw has lessened tremendously since taking Plaquinil, whereas before I could barely open my mouth to eat and could not brush my back teeth. I have gone weeks without noticing the pain in my jaw and had my flexibility back, however the past few days it has been hurting me. I think I clench my teeth in my sleep, so I am thinking that's what the problem is. Most likely it is from having a lot on my mind/stress. I may need to get a night guard.
Posted 5/5/2014 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jenny~Thanks for your reply. Gosh you're do young to be going through this! I'm so sorry. And yes a mouth guard may help you Sounds like out symptoms are similar. Luckily my hips have been ok so far. I was on Plaquenil about year ago and didn't notice any improvement and was concerned about the potential effect on eyes so stopped. However I may have to try it again. Right now I've upped dose on Imuran which is a drug that is helping. My kids are helping me eat more vegan which may help too I'm hoping.
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