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Herberden’s nodes involve nodes on the smaller joints of the fingers in patients with a history Osteoarthritis a disease type of Arthritis. This condition is more often seen in the older population and in women more often than men.

There may be a possible genetic component involved in the cause of Heberden’s Node. The actual changes or nodes are caused by osteophytes of the articular cartilage as a response to trauma to the joint

Bouchard’s nodes may also be present – similar bony growth in the PIP joints– (Proximal interphalangeal joints).

The symptom is not curative, and therefore, treatment is to slow the process, and alleviate pains in the joints.

Symptoms:

–  Bony or Hard swelling of fingers
–  Often seen in the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP)
–  The DIP are the joints closest to the end of fingers and toes
–  Swelling
–  Redness
–  Joint Pain
–  Numbness
–  Loss of motion
–  Loss of dexterity

Treatment

1.)  NSAIDs and Tylenol for pain and as treatment of arthritis

2.) Hot or Cold may help decrease swelling and/or pain

3.)  Muscle rub – to improvement movement and decrease swelling

History

So named because of William Heberden (1710-1801)