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tendon nodules

November 8, 2009 By

Question

I have Heberden’s nodes on several of the last joints on my fingers. Some pain and disfigurement associated with the condition. I now have a new nodule below my right ring finger on the palm with greater pain than the fnger joints. Could this nodule be related to the Heberden’s nodes? My family doctor has given me no alternatives. Are there any new developments which could offer some relief?

Answer

HI Greg,

this nodule sounds like it is in a tendon.  Nodules in tendons in the palm of the hand can be quite uncomfortable and most often represent true benign nodules or scarring/fibrosis in the tendon.  Sometimes thickening in the tendon can cause the finger to get stuck in a flexed position and you have to pry it open; we call this a trigger finger.  If it continues to bother you, the best thing to do would be to see an orthopedist who specializes in hands for consideration of a steroid injection into the tendon.  Also, a splint to keep the finger open and stretched might be useful.

Joan Bathon, M.D.

About Joan Bathon, M.D.

Dr. Bathon was a Co-Deputy Director of the Division of Rheumatology at Hopkins Bayview. She was also the founder and director of the Hopkins Arthritis Center.