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Heberden’s nodules are an annoying degenerative change in the joints of the fingers. They appear on the ring or index finger. They are the least painful form of rheumatic diseases. What causes Heberden nodules? How to cure this disease?
Heberden nodules. Characteristics of the disease
Heberden’s nodules are bone growths on the joints of the fingers. The name comes from the doctor who first diagnosed the disease. Their development is associated with a reduction in the amount of cartilage in the joints, but also with a reduction in its quality. These nodules develop in the distal interphalangeal joints. In the course of the disease, bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons are damaged. A person has the impression of lowering the mobility, stiffness of the joints and their deformation. Heberden’s nodules can appear in people of all ages and their occurrence is genetically determined.
Heberden nodules – symptoms
Heberden’s nodules is a disease of arthrosis, classified as a chronic disease. Its course is gradual, the joints are damaged, specifically the articular cartilage of the hands, followed by stiffness and swelling of the joints and limitation of mobility, stiffening of the joints. Patients complain of pain in the hands (by putting pressure on the nerves), and over time, the progressive disease can lead to disability, because patients with Heberden’s Nodules must be aware that it is a chronic disease that causes irreversible changes. A characteristic symptom of Heberden Lumps is thickening of the palm, usually on the fingers of the right hand. They often accompany degenerative changes at the base of bones and metacarpals. This disease is so troublesome that it interferes with ordinary household activities that require precision (eg buttoning, sewing, writing).
Heberden nodules- causes
Specialists who first diagnosed this Heberden’s nodule disease cannot explain the exact causes of its occurrence. Doctors, however, determine that the underlying cause of the disease is an imbalance between the formation and degradation of articular cartilage and the sub-cartilage layer of bone. Where does this process come from? This continues to be a mystery to scholars. However, there are assumptions that these are genetic conditions. It is also said that the underlying cause of Heberden’s nodules is the tightening of the tendon attachments of the deep flexors of the fingers as a result of e.g. typing, or other dexterity works such as performing work: (sewing, weaving, crocheting, production work, watchmaking, car mechanics) . In addition, Heberden’s nodules may arise as a result of diseases such as: rheumatoid arthritis, other rheumatic diseases, psoriatic arthritis, congenital defects of the locomotor system, past hand contusions.
Check what biological treatment looks like in rheumatic diseases
How to treat Heberden’s nodules?
Heberden’s nodules, once formed on the fingers, will accompany us all our lives. This disease is chronic and irreversible. You can delay the formation of changes with the help of chondroitin-based drugs. This substance will slow down the formation of Heberden nodules. In the case of pain, inflammation and distressing pain should be soothed. In this case, the doctor may recommend the use of steroid-based injections, which reduce pain.
In case of severe pain, local injection of corticosteroids is effective. It is also necessary to save your hand. In the course of the disease, rehabilitation treatments such as massages, corrective gymnastics will help to alleviate its symptoms. The use of physical therapy in the form of sollux warming treatments or ultrasounds, as well as mud compresses will also be helpful.