DEFINITION
Liverden nodules are cartilaginous structures that grow on the finger joints in the course of a so-called Liverden arthrosis. As a rule, the lifted nodules occur at the so-called distal finger joints, i.e. the joints between the last two phalanges. They consist of a mixture of bone and cartilage and usually grow on the extensor side of the fingers. Occasionally, the lifted nodules occur in the context of a lifted arthrosis. In this case, the proximal, i.e. the finger joints close to the body, are also affected.
CAUSES for lifted nodules
The Heberden nodules are a symptom of the so-called Heberden arthrosis. This is a wear-related disease of the finger joints. The causes are only known in some cases, often the disease occurs without a clearly identifiable cause.
The development of siphoning arthrosis is promoted by the great strain on the hands and fingers, which is present in many manual activities. This leads to a higher wear and tear of the joint surfaces. Hormonal changes also seem to play a role. Women are affected by the disease much more often than men. In addition, the lifted nodules usually develop during the menopause, because the female body is subject to large hormonal fluctuations during this time.
By these SYMPTOMS you can recognize a Heberden nodule
Typically, the lifterden nodules occur at the base joints of the finger end phalanges. They are usually noticeable as bumpy knots on the fingers. In addition, there is an inflammation of the affected joints, which in the long run leads to a damage of the joint surfaces and thus to a significant functional impairment of the diseased fingers.
In addition to the external appearance of the lifted nodules and the restriction of the affected joints, pain in the fingers usually also occurs. Furthermore, the lifted nodules can occur in the context of a so-called polyarthrosis. In this case not only the fingers but also other joints such as the wrist, knee, hip and spine may be affected by arthrotic changes.
Inflammation of the finger joints is a typical side effect of the lifted nodules, since the nodules occur in the context of lifted arthrosis. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, usually caused by wear and tear. Due to the many uses of the fingers, the finger joints become more and more worn with increasing age.
This can cause minor damage to the joints. The body tries to repair these with its cells. If chronic damage occurs, these cells are permanently in the joints and a chronic inflammatory reaction of the body occurs.
Our next topic could also be interesting for you: Inflammation of the fingerIn addition to symptoms such as reduced strength, loss of movement and functional limitations of the fingers, lifting arthrosis also causes pain in the finger joints. These are usually caused by the destruction of the joint surfaces through the inflammatory processes of the arthrosis. Typically, pain in osteoarthritis occurs more frequently when the affected fingers are strained, but especially in advanced stages, pain can occur at rest.
