What is a heberden nodule?
Heberden’s nodes are small bony growths that appear on the joint closest to the tip of your finger. Along with Bouchard’s nodes, Heberden’s nodes are a symptom of osteoarthritis of the hands. They can cause pain and limited motion in your hands.
Are heberden’s nodes rheumatoid arthritis?
These nodes are found in patients with osteoarthritis (sometimes referred to as degenerative arthritis or OA) and also in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects many systems in the body and is much more serious. However, both are considered multifactorial degenerative disease processes.
What causes a myxoid cyst?
Causes of myxoid cysts The cyst forms when the synovial tissue around the finger or toe joint degenerates. This is associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. Sometimes a small bony growth formed from degenerating joint cartilage (an osteophyte) may be involved.
Do myxoid cysts go away?
Some myxoid cysts will disappear spontaneously. Recurrence rates are high. Patients who fail conservative treatment may require referral to a dermatologic or hand surgeon. A number of treatment options are available.
What’s the difference between rheumatoid nodules and Heberden’s nodes?
While rheumatoid nodules can occur anywhere on the body, they are most common on hands and elbows, as well as near the joints. If you develop a rheumatoid nodule near the end joint of one of your fingers, it can be easy to mistake them for Heberden’s nodes. However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between the two.
What is a Heberden node?
A Heberden node describes a bony swelling of the distal interphalangeal finger joint. It is a sign of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. A Bouchard node is a similar swelling affecting the proximal interphalangeal finger joint [1].
What are the treatment options for Heberden’s nodes?
In rare cases, your doctor might suggest surgery to remove the nodes, or replace or fuse one of the joints in your fingers. Other than that, they will likely treat the osteoarthritis that is the root cause of your Heberden’s nodes.
Why are they called Heberden bumps?
They were named after physician William Heberden, Sr., a doctor in the 1700s. He came up with an explanation for these swellings. These bony growths generally occur on the finger joints nearest the fingertip, also called the distal interphalangeal joints.