After getting off methotrexate I never had that inflammation occur again. The only thing that changed is I stopped taking some B vitamins I'd been taking prior to the diagnosis. RA can be tested for by doing a synovial biopsy, if she hasn't had one I'd suggest asking her doctor about it. If she has and it came back abnormal she has RA or gout. The synovial biopsy is what I never got, they diagnosed me on symptoms alone.
I ask because my sister is diagnosed with RA, and is on methotrexate, with her hair falling out.
I read your comment with literally bated breath hoping there was a new diagnosis or treatment at the bottom so we could try it.