Rheumatoid nodules


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Rheumatoid nodules


Rheumatoid nodules are small bumps under the skin, located in pressure point areas such as the elbow or back of the heel. These bumps may be as small as a grain of rice or as large as a golf ball but are not painful and tend to come and go.

People with rheumatoid arthritis commonly develop rheumatoid nodules, as do children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who are rheumatoid-factor (RF) positive. While rheumatoid nodules often develop later in the disease, their presence can be helpful in confirming a diagnosis.

Credits


Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated August 18, 2008

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Last updated: August 18, 2008
Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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