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What are Heberden's Nodes?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Heberden's nodes are swollen, tender protrusions of bone and cartilage tissue that develop in finger or toe joints. They are a consequence of osteoarthritis, and often one of the first signs of the degenerative joint disease. In most cases, nodes develop gradually over several months or years, but the acute onset of pain and swelling is possible. While there is not a cure for osteoarthritis, taking anti-inflammatory drugs and avoiding putting too much stress on the fingers can help relieve symptoms. Surgery may be necessary if Heberden's nodes significantly impair a person's ability to manage daily tasks.

The distal interphalangeal joints, the last joints in the fingers and toes, are susceptible to Heberden's nodes. They are often accompanied by protrusions in the middle joints as well, known as Bouchard's nodes. It is unclear exactly why the nodes develop or what triggers the underlying osteoarthritis disease, but doctors believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible. People with family histories of arthritis are more likely to develop problems at some point in their lives. Wear-and-tear on the finger joints may also contribute to the onset of this condition.

Heberden's nodes refer to swollen protrusions of bone and cartilage tissue that may develop in finger joints.
Heberden's nodes refer to swollen protrusions of bone and cartilage tissue that may develop in finger joints.

A developing node is characterized by mild swelling on one or both sides of a finger joint. Over time, swelling worsens and the protrusion becomes hard and tender to the touch. Heberden's nodes can cause stiffness in the fingers that limits the hand's range of motion. Constant pain and progressive weakening of the fingers can make even the simplest activities such as typing or gripping a pen very uncomfortable. Most people who have osteoarthritis in their fingers or toes also experience pain in their knees, hips, wrists, and ankles, though symptoms may be less noticeable in other joints.

People with family histories of arthritis are at risk for developing Heberden's nodes.
People with family histories of arthritis are at risk for developing Heberden's nodes.

An individual who experiences worsening pain and swelling in his or her fingers should visit a doctor. A specialist can physically inspect the fingers and order x-rays to study the internal structure of the joints. X-rays may reveal damaged or deteriorated cartilage and unusual bony projections. The doctor may also decide to perform blood tests or extract a sample of joint fluid to rule out other types of arthritis and other possible causes of joint swelling.

An x-ray may be performed to diagnose Heberden's nodes.
An x-ray may be performed to diagnose Heberden's nodes.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the doctor can explain different treatment options. Most patients are instructed to take anti-inflammatory drugs when their symptoms are the worst and try to avoid using sore fingers as much as possible. If swelling is severe, a physician can inject a corticosteroid directly into a joint to bring down swelling and numb pain. Persistent Heberden's nodes can be treated surgically by excising the protrusion and realigning the joint.

Discussion Comments

anon988974

I would be more concerned with the prevention of oncoming osteoarthritis! Look at changing your diet to a diet that does not include anti inflammatory foods.

anon926750

Have you been able to find an answer to your question? I have a similar condition and would like to remove the lump.

donnakpn

Where can I get a surgeon to remove a Heberden node from my right index finger? Is there a company developing replacement joints for the index finger digit joint? If there are replacement joints for other hand joints, why can't there be a replacement joint for the index finger?

Can surgery remove the bumps and make the finger joint smooth again? Please give me a site to find the latest developments.

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    • Heberden's nodes refer to swollen protrusions of bone and cartilage tissue that may develop in finger joints.
      By: perfectmatch
      Heberden's nodes refer to swollen protrusions of bone and cartilage tissue that may develop in finger joints.
    • People with family histories of arthritis are at risk for developing Heberden's nodes.
      By: rob3000
      People with family histories of arthritis are at risk for developing Heberden's nodes.
    • An x-ray may be performed to diagnose Heberden's nodes.
      By: neftali
      An x-ray may be performed to diagnose Heberden's nodes.
    • People suffering with Heberden's nodes may find it difficult to hold even a pen.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      People suffering with Heberden's nodes may find it difficult to hold even a pen.
    • While there is no specific cure for osteoarthritis, there are a variety of pain management options.
      By: joshya
      While there is no specific cure for osteoarthritis, there are a variety of pain management options.
    • Individuals who are overweight may be at increased risk for developing osteoarthritis.
      By: Dave
      Individuals who are overweight may be at increased risk for developing osteoarthritis.