Finger Rheumatoid Nodules Treatment
The treatments for rheumatoid nodules vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Options include physical therapy, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), steroid injections and surgery.
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Defined
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Rheumatoid nodules generally develop in pressure point areas, such as the joints of the fingers. The nodules are comprised of soft tissue enlargements of varying sizes.
Causes
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The causative factor of rheumatoid nodules is still unknown. According to WebMD, studies have found cigarette smoking and methotrexate, which is a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug, increases the risk of nodule development.
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Symptoms
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Rheumatoid nodules are generally asymptomatic, or having no symptoms. However, in some cases patients have reported pain, increased lesion growth, open sores and difficulty with range-of-motion.
Diagnosis
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A physical examination is most often used to diagnose rheumatoid nodules. A biopsy of the nodule is sometimes performed, but can be a difficult procedure depending on the area of the nodule.
Facts
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According to MMPC, approximately 25 percent of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will develop nodules. Nodules are more prevalent in men than women, individuals who test positive for rheumatoid factor (antibody linked to inflammation) and Caucasians.
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