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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has Anybody Dealt With Or Are Dealing With Rheumatoid Nodules? What Were The First Signs Or Symptoms?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Plainfield, IL
July 22, 2024
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A myRAteam Member

Yes, tiny squishy ones, not the hard ones that some people have. One on my middle finger joint and one on each knee. They have been the same for years.

July 23, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I have a couple small nodules on my hand for years but they do not hurt and so far do not get bigger.

July 23, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Rheumatoid nodules are a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here are some key points about them:

- Appearance: Rheumatoid nodules are raised bumps that can vary significantly in size, typically ranging from 2 millimeters to 5 centimeters. They are composed mostly of fibrin (a protein that often appears Show Full Answer

Rheumatoid nodules are a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here are some key points about them:

- Appearance: Rheumatoid nodules are raised bumps that can vary significantly in size, typically ranging from 2 millimeters to 5 centimeters. They are composed mostly of fibrin (a protein that often appears after tissue damage) and dead skin cells.
- Location: These nodules can appear in various places, including the elbows, fingers, feet, and even in soft tissues around the joints, tendons, eyes, lungs, heart, and vocal cords.
- Movement: In most cases, rheumatoid nodules move easily when touched.
- Timing: They usually form several years after the onset of RA and are more common in advanced RA or RA that has not been treated.

First Signs and Symptoms of RA:
- General Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle pain, and malaise (feeling unwell).
- Joint Symptoms: Pain and stiffness, particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet. Stiffness in the mornings is common and may last for several hours.
- Joint Swelling: Early on, X-rays may show soft tissue swelling, especially in the proximal interphalangeal joints (middle knuckle) and metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles).
- Abnormal Sensations: Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet due to joint inflammation exerting pressure on surrounding nerves.
- Low-Grade Fever: Fevers between 99 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit may occur as an early sign.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to speak to a healthcare provider, like a rheumatologist, as soon as possible for an early diagnosis.

July 22, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I was first diagnosed with RA in August of 2022. Then started prednisone for 20 days along with Methotrexate which I am still on. Within a month after being diagnosed was reading up on possible issues with RA. One of the articles was on Rheumatoid Nodules and the next time I looked in the mirror I noticed one on my elbow, now have a couple on each elbow. The biggest is about an inch wide and 1/2 inch high. No pain involved and no issues at this point with the location. Maybe if I stop reading articles I won't have anymore issues.

July 22, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Hi Kimberly, awhile back I had to have this one aspirated. Started out as barely there then started growing 🤪 I still have a few but so far they’re staying “barely there “.

July 22, 2024

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