What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Hand: Atypical Rheumatoid Nodules
- Hand: Atypical Rheumatoid Nodules
- Health and Quality of Life Outcomes: Tophi and Frequent Gout Flares Are Associated With impairments to Quality of Life, Productivity, and Increased Healthcare Resource Use
- Health and Quality of Life Outcomes: Tophi and Frequent Gout Flares Are Associated With impairments to Quality of Life, Productivity, and Increased Healthcare Resource Use
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Arthritic Bumps on the Knuckles
Arthritis is a category of diseases marked by pain and swelling in the joints. In fact, the word "arthritis" means inflammation of the joints. Such pain and swelling can be caused by the wear and tear of osteoarthritis, the autoimmune response of rheumatoid arthritis, or the metabolic dysfunction of gout. Red, swollen bumps near the knuckles and other joints are a common feature of arthritis.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Heberden Nodes
The pain, stiffness and swelling of osteoarthritis occur in joints that have experienced heavy use. These problems can affect large joints, such as the knee, hip or shoulder, or the small joints of the fingers. Stiffness is generally worse with repeated use and better with rest. Heberden nodes are small, red nodules that occur at the last joint of the finger. They may deform the joint, creating the knobby knuckles and twisted fingers of severe OA.
Bouchard Nodes
Bouchard nodes are similar to Heberden nodes. These growths are found at the middle joints of the finger, just above the Heberden nodes. While Heberden nodes are found only in OA, Bouchard nodes can be found in both OA and rheumatoid arthritis. These nodes can be very painful or cause no pain at all.
Rheumatoid Nodules
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling in bilateral wrist and finger joints. It can create significant deformity over time. The pain and stiffness are generally worse at the beginning of the day and improve with gentle movement. Rheumatoid nodules are bumps beneath the skin that occur on the forearms and both sides of the hands 1. About 25 percent of people with RA have these nodules.
Tophi
Gout is an extremely painful disease characterized by joint stiffness and swellings known as tophi, felt as small bumps under the skin. Gout can affect any joint, but typically occurs in the big toe. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, usually due to an inability to break down purine, an amino acid found in meat, alcohol and some fish. Uric acid forms crystals, which tend to deposit in the toes and feet. Although gouty tophi commonly appear in the big toe, they are also found in the elbow, fingers and even such unlikely places as the ears and vocal cords.
Red, swollen bumps near the knuckles and other joints are a common feature of arthritis. The pain, stiffness and swelling of osteoarthritis occur in joints that have experienced heavy use. Gout can affect any joint, but typically occurs in the big toe.
- Ocskaymark/iStock/Getty Images