PsA Sucks: Hip Pain and Nail Problems

By jojo28

1 min read

Hi there.

I live in New Zealand and was diagnosed at 28, I’m now 58 (shock horror) 😆.

Hip pain with psoriatic arthritis

I’m having issues with my SI joints and outer hip joints and these are new to me, the hip pain that is. On Methotrexate for a few years, but with these new pains, I’m relying more and more on pain relief to get me through the days and nights.

Nail pain

I also have both toe and fingernails involved with psoriasis under the nails and my toenails physically ache. The only relief I get is cutting them really really short.

Does anyone else have this too? Feeling quite alone at the moment.

Jo from NZ

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hello <inline-mention user-id="3291281" username="jojo28"/> thank you for sharing your story. You are not alone! Unfortunately with psoriatic arthritis, hip pain and nail pain is not uncommon. I am including two articles from our editorial team about hip pain and what can help alleviate the pain <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/psa-symptoms/hips/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/psa-symptoms/hips/</a> and how to help alleviate nail pain <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/psa-symptoms/nails-changes-dystrophy/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/psa-symptoms/nails-changes-dystrophy/</a> Let us know if any of these suggestions help you. We are here for you. Jill, Community Moderator
Leanne Donaldson Moderator & Contributor
I hear you Jo (<inline-mention user-id="3291281" username="jojo28"/> ) I'm glad that methotrexate has helped you for so long. But hip pain-OUCH! I'm struggling with hip pain now too. What makes it so bad is there is no "comfortable" position. Standing, hurts. Sitting, hurts. Lying down, hurts. The only semi-relief I get is from some gentle stretching of my hip flexors. And like you, I keep all of my nails very short to keep the pain to a minimum. I don't tend to have the traditional plaque rash, rather I get it on my nails. All this to say, you are NOT alone! I hear you and understand. How have you been managing this month? -Leanne, Community Moderator
1. jojo28 Member
 Hi Leanne, thank you so much for your comments, I now feel like there are people who understand what it’s like!! My Rheumatologist has started me on Leflunomide in conjunction with Methotrexate and I’m hoping that it will make a huge difference, I too have been getting on the floor and stretching those muscles and I’ve found that it does give some relief. I hear you when you say that it doesn’t matter whether you’re standing, sitting, in fact mines worse when sitting, laying in bed, I’ve found that with Naproxen and codeine and doing those exercises before bed really helps me sleep, how’s life for you with COVID, it’s a scary time for all of us with compromised immune systems, take care and thank you so much for replying to me xx
2. jojo28 Member
 Hi Leanne, thank you so much for your comments, I now feel like there are people who understand what it’s like!! My Rheumatologist has started me on Leflunomide in conjunction with Methotrexate and I’m hoping that it will make a huge difference, I too have been getting on the floor and stretching those muscles and I’ve found that it does give some relief. I hear you when you say that it doesn’t matter whether you’re standing, sitting, in fact mines worse when sitting, laying in bed, I’ve found that with Naproxen and codeine and doing those exercises before bed really helps me sleep, how’s life for you with COVID, it’s a scary time for all of us with compromised immune systems, take care and thanks for replying to me xx
elissahm Member
Hi Jo. My name is Elissah and I live in Tennessee in the USA. I was just diagnosed about 8 weeks ago but wanted you to know I also have pain in my affected toenails. It's such a strange kind of pain and I have a difficult time reaching them to clip them. I use many of these stretches and exercises from this site as well as visits with my physical therapist who does manual fascia release techniques to help me. I don't know what I'd do without her! <a href='https://uhs.princeton.edu/sites/uhs/files/documents/Pelvic-Stabilization-Hip-Strengthening.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://uhs.princeton.edu/sites/uhs/files/documents/Pelvic-Stabilization-Hip-Strengthening.pdf</a>
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hello @Elissah, thank you for sharing what has helped you. Since you mentioned pain in your toenails, I wanted to send you over this article from one of our advocates that talks about tips for toe pain. I hope it helps. Thanks for being here. Jill, Community Moderator <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/walk-the-walk-foot-pain/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/walk-the-walk-foot-pain/</a>
jayhelms07 Member
I had severe finger and toe nail involvement. Went on Humira several years ago. Doc said it would not help my nails. My nail started to clear with first injection. My doc very experienced was astounded. Said he had never seen it clear nails before. Have been clear for several years. Switched to Talzt a year ago, still clear. Hope this helps. Jay
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Thanks for sharing @Jayhelms07. We are so glad you have something that is helping you! Thanks for being apart of the discussion. Jill, Community Moderator