autoimmune disease blog

Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are firm, flesh-colored lumps that grow under the skin. The nodules occur in about 20% of patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis and imply in serious condition with poor prognosis. These nodules are almost constantly associated with more severe forms of the disease. Antinuclear factor and rheumatoid factor are frequently found in the blood.

Nodules usually affect elbows, feet, knee and hand with a preference for multiple cyst and tendons may be associated. Benign rheumatoid nodules have been noted in patients with little arthritis and no systemic disease.

These nodules are more common in children than in adults and are considered exceptional beyond the age of eighteen. Adult onset benign rheumatoid arthritis nodules are clinically identical to those found in rheumatoid arthritis.

These nodules are normally the color of the patient’s skin. They can range in size from a pea-size to a marble size or even walnut size in diameter. There can be one or more nodules in an infected area. Found in mostly chronic rheumatoid arthritis cases, nodules are associated with causing joint deformity and are associated with serious extra-articular manifestations of blood vessels, lungs and eyes. The size and severity of nodules varies and normally increases as the disease progresses.

Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are mostly benign. Doctors do not recommend treatment unless other symptoms are present. Most nodules are not painful, however those on the palms of the hands or the bottoms of the feet may become irritated. This can result in an uneven gait, problems with wearing shoes and a self-consciousness in regards to the cosmetics of the nodules.

Rheumatoid arthritis nodules treatments

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can reduce the size of rheumatoid nodules. But patients who take methotrexate may develop an increase in size and number of nodules. If nodules are thought to be a result of methotrexate treatment, a change in medication regimen may help; however, this decision must be carefully made on an individual basis.

Injections of glucocorticoids may help shrink nodules. Sometimes surgery is necessary if rheumatoid arthritis nodules become infected or cause severe symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis nodules pictures

Finger with heumatoid arthritis nodules

Elbow with rheumatoid arthritis nodules

Knee with rheumatoid arthritis nodules