Great question! There are actually several non-surgical options that may help reduce rheumatoid nodules. Here's a summary of what's known to help:
Several approaches can be effective in shrinking nodules or slowing their growth:
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) — these medications can shrink nodules and Show Full Answer
Great question! There are actually several non-surgical options that may help reduce rheumatoid nodules. Here's a summary of what's known to help:
Several approaches can be effective in shrinking nodules or slowing their growth:
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) — these medications can shrink nodules and limit further growth
- Corticosteroid injections — a doctor can inject these directly into the nodule to reduce local inflammation
- Reviewing methotrexate use — if methotrexate is part of a treatment plan, it's worth discussing with a rheumatologist, as it can sometimes accelerate nodule growth
One myRAteam member shared that after discovering their nodules were linked to methotrexate, they stopped taking it (with their doctor's guidance) and the nodules began going away.
It's really important never to stop or change any medication without consulting your rheumatologist first, as this could affect overall RA management.
The good news is that advances in RA treatments have significantly reduced how many people develop nodules in the first place, so better disease control overall can make a real difference.
May 20
Hi Patti. I'm not taking methotrexate and still have one on left arm (huge). Have them on the back of both ankles and one on my foot. Ugh. Thanks for feedback.
May 21
When I first started Methotrexate in 2018, I developed nodules on mostly my right hand but I'm still on Methotrexate and the nodules disappeared, but it takes awhile for that to happen.
May 20
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