Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to an attack by the immune system against myelin, the protective layer of nerves. This causes inflammation and neurological dysfunction.
Although MS can cause neuromuscular and neuropathic symptoms, joint pain is not a primary symptom of the disease. However, finger pain may have an indirect relationship to MS if there is peripheral neurological involvement.
1. How Could Multiple Sclerosis Cause Finger Pain?
Although Multiple Sclerosis does not directly affect the joints , it can cause symptoms that lead to finger pain in a secondary way. Some of the main forms are:
Neuropathy and Spasticity
- Cause: Myelin degeneration can affect the nerves responsible for sensation and motor control in the hands.
- Symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands.
- Sensation of electric shock when moving the neck (Lhermitte’s sign).
- Weakness in the limbs, making it difficult to hold objects.
- Spasticity (muscle stiffness) that can affect the hands and fingers, leading to pain.
Neuropathic Pain
- Cause: Nerve dysfunctions can generate spontaneous pain or hypersensitivity.
- Symptoms:
- Burning, stinging or prickling sensation in the fingers.
- Hypersensitivity to touch, even without apparent injury.
- Unexplained pain in the hands, wrists or arms.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Secondary to MS)
- Cause: Some people with Multiple Sclerosis may develop Raynaud’s phenomenon, which affects peripheral circulation.
- Symptoms:
- Change in the color of the fingers (pale or bluish) when in contact with cold.
- Pain and tingling in the fingers.
- Feeling of cold or numb hands.
Muscle Weakness and Joint Overload
- Cause: Loss of motor control can cause some joints to become overstressed, resulting in secondary pain.
- Symptoms:
- Difficulty holding small objects.
- Frequent cramps in the fingers and hands.
- Excessive tension in some joints, leading to pain.
2. When to Suspect Multiple Sclerosis?
If, in addition to pain in the finger joints, your wife has other neurological symptoms , Multiple Sclerosis may be a possibility. The main signs that require attention include:
✅ Persistent numbness or tingling
in the upper or lower limbs. ✅ Extreme fatigue , even without excessive physical exertion.
✅ Muscle weakness that worsens over time.
✅ Problems with coordination or balance.
✅ Recurrent blurred or double vision
. ✅ Difficulty holding objects due to tremors or spasms.
✅ Lhermitte’s sign (sensation of an electric shock when tilting the head forward).
If any of these symptoms are present, a neurologist should be consulted for tests such as MRI of the brain and spinal cord , as well as tests to evaluate nerve conduction.
3. What to do now?
🔹 Consult a rheumatologist and a neurologist to rule out both autoimmune joint diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) and neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
🔹 Perform tests such as MRI, electroneuromyography, and blood tests for autoimmune inflammation.
🔹 Observe whether there is worsening with cold, rest, or movement , which may indicate an inflammatory or neurological pattern.
🔹 Avoid repetitive strain and apply local heat to relieve pain and improve circulation.
