What are rheumatoid nodules?
As part of the rheumatoid process, firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients. These are commonly found at pressure points like the elbow, back of the forearm, and metacarpophalangeal joint. Nodules usually occur in chronic active cases of rheumatoid arthritis, and are commonly associated with more joint deformity and serious extra-articular manifestations including lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. Nodules may vary in size during the course of the disease process, according to Raymond Federman, M.D.
Complications of rheumatoid nodules
Johns Hopkins claims complications of rheumatoid nodules include:
- pain
- limited joint mobility
- neuropathy
- ulceration
- fistula formation
- infection
Surgical removal is an option, but nodules tend to reoccur in as little as a few months when they are present over an area of repeated trauma. Intranodular steroid injections may reduce the size of the nodule.
Photos of actual rheumatoid nodules
- Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
Hand damage and deformity caused by arthritis can include nodules, swelling, stiffness, ulnar drift, contractures, and other problems. Photos of hands damaged by arthritis.
- Rheumatoid Nodule of the Elbow
Photo of rheumatoid nodule of the elbow, from DermAtlas.
- Rheumatoid Nodule of the Elbow
Photo #2 of rheumatoid nodule of the elbow, from DermAtlas.
- Rheumatoid Nodule of the Elbow
Photo of rheumatoid nodule of the elbow, from Loyola University Chicago.
- Rheumatoid Nodules on the Elbows
Photo of nodules on elbows. A punch biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation typical of a rheumatoisd nodule, from DermAtlas.
- Rheumatoid Nodules at the Elbow
Photo of Rheumatoid nodules at the elbow, from eMedicine.
- General and specific cutaneous manifestations of RA, from New Zealand Dermatological Society
This comprehensive article (with many images) explains general cutaneous manifestations and specific cutaneous manifestations of RA.
Related Resources
- Guide To Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
- Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Subscribe to: Rheumatoid Arthritis 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
Sources: Interview with Raymond Federman, M.D., Case rounds case report#6 by Andrea Marx, M.D., The Johns Hopkins University
