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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone ever developed small like blister nodules on their hands?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Frederick, MD

These hard lumps are incredible painful and even brushing against them make you want to cuss like a sailor. Washing dishes is a testament in wanting to cry even having my hands in water or these nodules touching something. My Rheumatologist noted them at my last appointment but didn’t seem that concerned about them. Is there anyone else out there suffering too?

May 28
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myRAteam

You are absolutely not alone in this! What you're describing sounds very much like rheumatoid nodules, which affect somewhere between 25% to 40% of people with RA. They are firm lumps that form under the skin, often in pressure areas like the fingers and hands.

While they don't always cause pain, they certainly can — Show Full Answer

You are absolutely not alone in this! What you're describing sounds very much like rheumatoid nodules, which affect somewhere between 25% to 40% of people with RA. They are firm lumps that form under the skin, often in pressure areas like the fingers and hands.

While they don't always cause pain, they certainly can — especially when they become inflamed or are in locations that get bumped or pressed constantly. Hands are particularly brutal for this since, well, you kind of need them for everything (dishes included 😔).

One myRAteam member shared that nodules appeared on their pinky and thumb practically overnight, so the sudden appearance is also very common. Since your rheumatologist noted them but didn't seem concerned, it may be worth going back and specifically describing how painful they are. There are treatment options worth discussing, including:

- DMARDs — can help shrink nodules and limit further growth
- Corticosteroid injections — to reduce local inflammation
- Surgical removal — an option, though nodules can sometimes grow back

It's also worth mentioning if you're currently taking methotrexate, as it can occasionally accelerate nodule growth in some people. Never stop any medication without consulting your rheumatologist first though.

The key takeaway is that your pain deserves to be taken seriously — don't hesitate to push for more answers at your next appointment!

May 28
A myRAteam Member

Samantha,
I have rheumatoid nodules on my hands. Sometimes I hit one doing laundry or washing dishes. When mine are inflamed it would make a preacher cuss. I have had mine injected several times. It’s not worth it. I have nodules in my lungs and had to wear oxygen for about 10 years. I was finally weaned off last year but have to wear CPAP at night. I have nodules along my forearms. I can feel them along my arm. Some of them are marble sized. I have two that are golf ball size. I have been told that there’s nothing that can be done about them

May 28

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