i've had arthritis and heberden's nodes in my hands for several years. cysts are forming on the nodes. what can i do?
heberden's nodes are bony prominences that occur at the smallest joint at the end of the fingers. they develop as a result of inflammation that occurs in the bone under adjacent cartilage that has wear from degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). they can become inflamed at times and be painful. sometimes a tiny fluid-filled cyst called a ganglion forms adjacent to the involved joint. to reduce inflammation sometimes anti-inflammatory medications can be of help. if a cyst has formed at the joint it can require an evaluation by a hand surgeon to consider surgical removal. you should discuss the best options for you with your doctor.