Rheumatoid nodules are lumps that form under the skin of people with rheumatoid arthritis, commonly found in pressure points such as elbows, fingers, heels, and knuckles. They can vary in size and may cause pain and limited movement. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery to remove the nodules.
A rheumatoid nodule is a lump formed under the skin of a person with rheumatoid arthritis. The nodules are commonly found in a pressure point in the body. Typically, nodules form on pressure points such as elbows, fingers, heels, and knuckles. They can vary in size. Some can be as small as a pencil eraser, while others can get quite large and become very noticeable.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. With this disease, the immune system attacks healthy tissue within the body. It causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and can equally affect the tissues surrounding the joints. A rheumatoid nodule will usually appear near joints affected by this disease. It is generally a chronic and ongoing condition and can eventually lead to bone degeneration.
The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain and swelling. Stiffness, which may be more dominant in the morning, is also common. Unlike other types of arthritis, rheumatoid disease can cause fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, a lump or bump may appear under the skin. This type of growth is known as a subcutaneous lump.
A subcutaneous lump is a growth that appears directly under the skin. In a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is known as a rheumatoid nodule. This type of growth can have different characteristics, some move freely and some remain motionless. Generally, they are caused by inflammation or infection in the body, as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis. The nodules may also be a different color from the rest of the skin.
Many people with a rheumatoid nodule will not experience any additional symptoms to those common with rheumatoid arthritis. If the joint nodules are particularly large, they can become painful. This can lead to further problems, such as limited movement and use of the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect organs in the body such as the lungs and heart. Lumps in these locations can lead to serious problems, such as heart complications and breathing problems.
Some individuals with a small rheumatoid nodule may be asymptomatic or asymptomatic. For those who need treatment, an anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed to relieve pain and swelling. Corticosteroid medications can also be used for particularly painful joints. Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove lumps that are very painful or large. This can be especially helpful if the growths interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks.
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