Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. One of the visible symptoms of arthritis is the development of bumps on the fingers known as Heberden’s nodes or Bouchard’s nodes. These bumps are caused by bony spurs or extra bone that forms at the joints. While arthritis bumps on fingers are not harmful, they may be bothersome due to their appearance or cause mild pain. Some people wonder if these bumps can be removed through surgery or other treatments. There are a few options available for reducing or removing painful arthritis finger bumps.
What causes arthritis bumps on fingers?
Arthritis finger bumps are most often caused by osteoarthritis, a type of wear-and-tear arthritis that occurs with aging and joint use over time. However, inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause these bumps.
As the cartilage breaks down in the joints over time, the body tries to repair itself by growing new bone. This extra bone forms next to the joint as a hard bump. Common locations include:
- Distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) – located at the tips of the fingers
- Proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) – middle joint of the fingers
- Metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) – where the fingers connect to the hand
Heberden’s nodes refer specifically to bumps that occur at the DIP joints, while Bouchard’s nodes occur at the PIP joints. Women tend to develop them more frequently than men, and they become more common with age. Genetics can also play a role in their development.
When should the bumps be removed?
In most cases, arthritis finger bumps do not need to be removed. They are primarily a cosmetic issue and do not always cause significant pain or limitation. Removal may be considered if:
- The bumps are very inflamed, red, and painful
- They limit the ability to move or bend the fingers
- They are interfering with daily activities or job duties
- You find the appearance or texture very bothersome
It’s also important to understand the risks and benefits of removal procedures before considering them for solely cosmetic reasons. Non-surgical options may be preferred first to help alleviate mild irritation or discomfort.
What are the options for removing finger arthritis bumps?
There are a few medical options for reducing or removing painful osteoarthritis finger bumps:
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can help temporarily reduce inflammation and pain in arthritic finger joints. The medication is injected directly into the joint and can provide relief for several weeks to months. However, repeat injections may cause joint damage over time.
Surgery
Two types of surgery may be done to remove painful osteoarthritis finger bumps:
- Osteotomy – This involves surgically removing part of the bone causing the bump. It may provide short-term improvement but often recurs as the joint continues wearing down.
- Arthroplasty – The damaged joint is surgically replaced with an artificial implant, such as silicone or metal. This eliminates the bump but requires extensive hand therapy for recovery. It also permanently limits finger joint movement.
Surgery risks include infection, nerve damage, ongoing pain or stiffness, implant rejection, and the need for additional procedures down the road. Success rates vary on a case-by-case basis.
Alternative medicine
Some alternative treatments may help provide temporary relief of arthritis bump discomfort, including:
- Hand splints to immobilize and rest painful joints
- Topical capsaicin creams to reduce pain signals
- Acupuncture to increase blood flow and provide pain relief
- Massage to improve circulation and relaxation
However, these therapies will not remove existing bone spurs or bumps. Any pain relief is usually temporary without other concurrent treatments.
Lifestyle changes and medication
Making certain lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and limit irritation of existing finger bumps:
- Using finger splints to rest painful joints
- Avoiding repetitive hand gestures that aggravate joints
- Applying cold compresses to swollen fingers
- Trying gentle range of motion exercises to preserve flexibility
- Managing weight to reduce joint stress
- Quitting smoking to improve circulation
Medications that may help relieve arthritis finger discomfort include:
- Topical NSAIDs (like Voltaren gel)
- Oral NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
- Topical capsaicin creams
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Corticosteroid injections can also temporarily alleviate inflammation when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief.
Should I have the bumps removed?
Deciding whether or not to surgically remove painful arthritis finger bumps is an individual choice that should be considered carefully. Things to weigh include:
- Severity of symptoms – Minimal bump discomfort may not warrant surgery risk.
- Failure of other therapies – Trying non-surgical options first unless severe.
- Personal goals – Cosmetic concerns versus medical need.
- Time commitment – Weeks of post-op rehab may be required.
- Expectations – Surgery may not fully restore range of motion.
- surgeon’s opinion – Consult a hand specialist on appropriate options.
Many rheumatologists recommend trying conservative treatments first and reserving surgery only for severe, unmanageable cases. Removing finger bumps does not cure the underlying arthritis, so joint degeneration is likely to continue despite surgery.
Conclusion
Arthritis bumps on fingers are common and usually harmless. If symptomatic, there are some medical options to reduce discomfort or appearance. These include corticosteroid injections, osteotomy, joint replacement surgery, splints, and medication. However, risks and limitations exist with surgical removal procedures. Most doctors recommend trying non-surgical remedies first, along with lifestyle changes to manage arthritis progression. Surgery can be considered for severe, persistent cases but may not fully restore normal finger function afterward. Working with a rheumatologist and hand therapist can help determine appropriate treatment options on an individual basis.