I have RA and lately been getting pins needles in y left hand is this common?

Pins and needles (paresthesia) in the left hand can sometimes be a symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's important to note that not all RA patients experience this symptom, and it's not exclusive to RA. However, there can be several reasons why you might be experiencing pins and needles in your left hand if you have RA.

1. Nerve Compression: RA can cause inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to compression or irritation of nearby nerves. This compression can disrupt nerve signals and cause sensations like pins and needles.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Individuals with RA are at an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. CTS can cause pins and needles, numbness, and pain in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

3. Vasculitis: Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can occur as a complication of RA. If the blood vessels in the hand are affected, it can lead to decreased blood flow and nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as pins and needles.

4. Medications: Certain medications used to treat RA, such as methotrexate, may cause side effects that include pins and needles as a rare occurrence.

5. Other Causes: In some cases, pins and needles in the left hand may not be directly related to RA but could be caused by other underlying conditions, such as a pinched nerve, a vitamin B12 deficiency, or certain medical disorders.

If you're experiencing new or persistent pins and needles in your left hand, it's advisable to talk to your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms, determine if they are related to your RA or another condition, and recommend appropriate management strategies to address the underlying cause.