Heberden nodules

DEFINITION

Heberden nodules are cartilaginous structures that grow on the finger joints as part of what is known as Heberden osteoarthritis. As a rule, the heberden nodules appear on the so-called distal finger joints, i.e. the joints between the last two phalanges. They consist of a mixture of bone and cartilage and usually grow on the extensor side of the fingers.
Occasionally, Heberden's nodules occur as part of Heberden's osteoarthritis. In this case, the proximal finger joints, i.e. those close to the body, are also affected.

CAUSES for heberden nodules

The Heberden nodules are a symptom of what is known as Heberden's osteoarthritis. This is a wear-related disease of the finger joints.
The causes of this are only known in some cases, and the disease often occurs without a fixed reason.
The development of Heberden's osteoarthritis is promoted by the great strain on the hands and fingers, as is the case with many manual activities. This leads to increased wear on the joint surfaces. Hormonal changes also seem to play a role. Women are affected by the disease much more often than men. In addition, the Heberden nodules usually arise during the menopause, because the female body is subject to great hormonal fluctuations during this time.

These SYMPTOMS show you a Heberden lump

Typically, the heberden nodules appear on the metatarsophalangeal joints. They are usually noticeable as bumpy knots on the fingers. In addition, there is inflammation of the affected joints, which in the long term leads to damage to the joint surfaces and thus to a significant reduction in the function of the diseased fingers.
In addition to the external appearance of the heberden nodules and the limitation of the affected joints, there is usually pain in the fingers.
In addition, the Heberden nodules can occur as part of a so-called polyarthrosis. In this case, not only the fingers, but also other joints such as the wrist, knee, hip and the spine may be affected by arthritic changes.

Inflammation of the finger joints

Inflammation of the finger joints is a typical side effect of Heberden nodules, as the nodules occur as part of Heberden osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that is usually caused by wear and tear. Due to the extensive use of the fingers, the finger joints wear out more and more with age. This can cause minor damage to the joints. The body tries to repair these with its cells.
If there is chronic damage, these cells are permanently in the joints and the body experiences a chronic inflammatory reaction.

Our next topic might also be of interest to you: Inflammation of the finger

Pain in the finger joints

In addition to symptoms such as decreased strength, loss of movement and functional restrictions of the fingers, Heberden's arthrosis also causes pain in the finger joints. These are usually caused by the destruction of the joint surfaces by the inflammatory processes of osteoarthritis. Typically, with osteoarthritis, the pain occurs more when the affected fingers are strained, but symptoms can occur even at rest, especially in advanced stages.

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DIAGNOSIS - how can it be diagnosed?

In the case of Heberden nodules, one speaks of a classic eye diagnosis. The diagnosis of heberden nodules can therefore be made solely on the basis of the appearance of the affected finger joints.
However, more detailed diagnostics must be carried out to determine whether Heberden's osteoarthritis is actually present. The safest test is a graphic representation of the joints, an X-ray of the hand is usually sufficient, in which the damage to the finger joints can be shown.
In order to differentiate isolated Heberden osteoarthritis from other forms of osteoarthritis such as polyarthritis, complaints in other joints should also be inquired about. If necessary, these can also be represented by means of X-rays.

What is the THERAPY of the Heberden nodules?

It is often difficult to treat the Heberden nodules yourself. Rather, the nodules are a symptom of osteoarthritis of the finger joints, which is why the nodules can usually be reduced with treatment of the osteoarthritis.

Heberden's osteoarthritis is initially treated conservatively. Painkillers may be given to relieve symptoms. Cortisone is also used to treat osteoarthritis. This active ingredient reduces the body's inflammatory response and can thus alleviate inflammation-related symptoms.
In order to improve the function of the affected fingers, physiotherapy or physiotherapy is usually prescribed. The targeted practice of certain movements relevant to everyday life can bring the body to better supply the worn-out joint cartilage with nutrients. In this way, at least some of the signs of wear can be reversed or stopped.

In the advanced stage of Heberden's osteoarthritis, surgical stiffening of the affected joints is recommended. This does not improve the osteoarthritis, but prevents further wear and tear on the joints and usually improves the symptoms.

Can Diet Affect Nodules?

Heberden nodules usually occur in connection with Heberden osteoarthritis. This cannot be influenced primarily by diet. Rather, the strain on the affected fingers plays a major role in the development of the disease.
In order to improve the symptoms through a targeted diet, one has to think in a very large time frame. For example, unhealthy foods that contain a lot of sugar and fats promote the general development of inflammatory reactions in the body. Since Heberden osteoarthritis is a result of the inflammatory processes, it is better to pay attention to healthy foods with lots of whole grain products, fruit and vegetables. Over the course of several months and years, such a diet can have a positive effect on the development or progression of osteoarthritis.

FORECAST

Heberden nodules are a sign of an existing disease of the end joints of the fingers. They usually only appear when the joints have already been damaged by arthritic changes that are caused by wear and tear. A complete cure of the osteoarthritis is therefore no longer possible in most cases - mainly because there are still no drugs that can reliably treat the cause of the disease.
However, depending on the severity and severity of the disease or therapy of the affected fingers, the course of osteoarthritis can be positively influenced. The symptoms will usually get worse in the long run, but the progression of the disease can be delayed for several years.