I have early Arthritis in fingers so it's no suprise that i have trouble with clippers, but my nails seem to be getting harder and harder.

What defficiency and/or excess could this be caused by?

What will soften them some? The only info i can find is how to make them stronger, not less hard.

Also what disease does this point to?

Incidentally, my muscles are very hard, cannot pinch skin away from them nor pinch the muscle bcse it's too tight (all over except stomach/breast area which is soft). Also I was on anti-inflammatories, pain killers and muscle relaxants a while back and I got rid of a lot of excess fluid. I took these for 2 mos I believe and every day was like a waterfall of fluid. I felt great. This worries me since it must be some internal organ holding the fluid, not just my edema limbs. What could cause this? Is Liver Flush the answer. Have you ever heard of anything this strange? If so, what is it called, please. I think these things must be related.

I eat a healthy Diet of salads, yoghurt, flax seed, ground flax, omega oils, protein, veggies, etc

Thank you. Doctors never seem to give me the whole story or a straight answer. I just want to know what I'm dealing with here. Thanks!