Heberden’s nodes – Named for William Heberden (1710-1801)^[1] – are hard or bony swellings which can develop in the distal interphalangeal joints (the furthest joints before the tips of the fingers or toes.) They are a sign of osteoarthritis, and are caused by formation of calcific spurs of the articular (joint) cartilage.

Heberden’s nodes are more common in women than in men, and there seems to be a genetic component involved in predisposition to the condition.

Heberden’s nodes typically develop in middle age, beginning either with a chronic swelling of the affected joints or the sudden painful onset of redness, numbness, and loss of manual dexterity.

This initial inflammation and pain eventually subsides, and the patient is left with a permanent bony outgrowth that often skews the fingertip sideways. Bouchard’s nodes may also be present; these are similar bony growths in the middle joints of the fingers, and are also associated with osteoarthritis.

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