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What are Bouchard's Nodes?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

Bouchard's nodes are growths of bone, cartilage or gelatinous cysts that enlarge and distort the proximal interphalangeal, or middle, joints of fingers or toes. These nodes give the joint a swollen appearance, with a considerably wider circumference than the rest of the digit and are an early sign of osteoarthritis. They take their name from Dr. Charles-Joseph Bouchard, a French pathologist of the late 19th century who studied arthritis extensively. Like the Heberden’s nodes that affect the smallest joints at the ends of the fingers and toes, Bouchard’s nodes might not be painful, but they often are accompanied by reduced movement of the joint.

The presence of Bouchard’s nodes can be invaluable in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, especially in the earliest stages before the condition has become severe. Most osteoarthritis exams require laboratory tests such as X-rays or blood tests, but any doctor can identify Bouchard’s nodes quickly with simple observation. After osteoarthritis has been identified, the doctor might decide to use one or more of these laboratory tests to discover the extent and severity of the condition.

Bouchard's nodes often signal the presence of osteoarthritis.
Bouchard's nodes often signal the presence of osteoarthritis.

The causes of Bouchard’s nodes are not fully understood, but genetics does play a significant role, and a patient is more likely to develop these nodes if a parent or other relative has them. Most researchers believe that the nodes are caused by protrusions of cartilage and bone called osteophytes, which often develop at the site of a deteriorating joint and are associated with other signs of osteoarthritis. Agreement on this point, however, is not universal, and the source of Bouchard’s nodes is a point of dispute.

Warm, melted wax may be used to soothe swollen joints and arthritic hands.
Warm, melted wax may be used to soothe swollen joints and arthritic hands.

Osteoarthritis is not curable, but there are treatments available. This treatment focuses on preserving mobility, minimizing joint distortion and managing pain. In early stages, over-the-counter treatments might be sufficient, but as the condition progresses, non-prescription treatments might not be adequate. Food supplements or changes in diet also might be recommended. The presence of Bouchard’s nodes often allows early diagnosis and can prompt an early response, allowing the patient to manage the arthritis without resorting to more severe measures.

Physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.

As the condition develops, prescription drugs might be considered, and depending on the severity of the arthritis, surgical procedures might be necessary. Cortisone injections can reduce inflammation and reduce pain in some cases. Surgical options include spur removal, joint fusion and even joint replacement. Patients should consult with a medical professional to discuss the best options.

Discussion Comments

browncoat

For a long time, people thought that Bouchard's nodes were caused by cracking your knuckles. There are people who do that quite a lot and I remember my teacher warning students in class not to do it, in case they develop arthritis when they get older.

Now I see that research has proved them completely wrong and that swollen nodes can happen to anyone.

I was also glad to see that apparently things like running don't cause it, although I'm not sure why being overweight can cause arthritis but running or putting stress on your joints by cracking them doesn't.

Maybe it is all in the kind of stress that your body responds to.

lluviaporos

While there's no way to prevent osteoarthritis altogether, living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to give it a shot.

My mother recently got diagnosed with it. She hasn't developed Bouchard's nodes yet, I think, but she has quite a lot of pain in her knee joints already.

The doctors have recommended exercise and dieting in order to get her weight down.

It's really inspired me to try and keep my weight down as well, because I know this condition can be hereditary and is aggravated by putting stress on your joints, mainly through carrying too much weight.

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    • Bouchard's nodes often signal the presence of osteoarthritis.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Bouchard's nodes often signal the presence of osteoarthritis.
    • Warm, melted wax may be used to soothe swollen joints and arthritic hands.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Warm, melted wax may be used to soothe swollen joints and arthritic hands.
    • Physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Physical therapy can help some people manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
    • Bouchard’s nodes are caused by protrusions of cartilage and bone called osteophytes, which are associated with other signs of osteoarthritis.
      By: joshya
      Bouchard’s nodes are caused by protrusions of cartilage and bone called osteophytes, which are associated with other signs of osteoarthritis.
    • Most exams for Bouchard's nodes will include an X-ray.
      By: Tsiumpa
      Most exams for Bouchard's nodes will include an X-ray.
    • Severe osteoarthritis may inhibit a patient's ability to stand unassisted.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Severe osteoarthritis may inhibit a patient's ability to stand unassisted.