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)
Heberden's Node,