The diameter of the rheumatoid nodules is 2-3 mm. As a rule, patients have a lot of rashes. Rheumatoid nodules do not cause pain. They are located near the joints. In particular, the rheumatoid nodule on the elbow is often localized. Often, neoplasms fuse with nearby tissues. Damage to the rheumatoid node can lead to ulceration.
Reasons for the development of pathology
The mechanism of education is not fully understood by medicine. Most researchers are of the opinion that vasculitis is the starting point for the development of rheumatoid nodules. The pathological process is based on inflammation of the walls of small vessels in violation of the immune system. Doctors came to this conclusion after studies of neoplasms. In their composition, immune complexes were identified.
Rheumatoid nodules can occur not only with rheumatism. Exactly the same neoplasms are observed with systemic lupus erythematosus in about 7% of cases. A photo of rheumatoid nodules is presented in this article.
Main locations
In most cases, neoplasms are localized in the subcutaneous tissue. Moreover, they are located in the elbows and in the forearm.
The main location of pathological neoplasms is the hands. They are located in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. The skin over the joints turns red. The rheumatoid nodule on the finger limits its movement.
Much less often, neoplasms are located in the area of the palms and pads of the fingers. They can be not only on hands, but also on feet. As a rule, the place of localization is the area prone to rubbing shoes (heels and heel tendons).
In patients who lead a sedentary lifestyle, rheumatoid nodules can affect the area of the sciatic tubercles on the buttocks.
In bedridden patients, such neoplasms are localized on the back of the head, in the region of the spinal column and sacrum. And in patients wearing glasses, they are located on the nose.
Important information
When diagnosing the disease, finding nodules during a physical examination is of primary importance. Neoplasms can be single in nature and have small sizes. In addition, they are not always localized in places typical of the disease.
Neoplasm structure
Patients often do not notice nodules, since they do not cause pain. Neoplasms rarely suppurate and ulcerate. Small neoplasms have a very dense structure. They can often be confused by a doctor with tofuses that occur with gout. Larger rheumatoid nodules have a structure similar to dense rubber. They resemble a cyst, since a small amount of fluid is localized in their center. A photo of rheumatoid nodules of this type is presented below.
In some patients, neoplasms move easily in the subcutaneous tissue, but in most cases they grow to nearby tissues. In this case, they can contribute to damage to the tendons.
The number of rheumatoid nodules
In male patients older than 40 years, rheumatoid nodules are found in large numbers. The prevalence of neoplasms in patients may vary. In some people, single nodules are noted, in others they are formed in large numbers.
Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis develops in a different scenario. Patients have a slight inflammatory process in the synovial membranes of the joint, which is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in combination with rheumatoid nodules. Such a course of the disease is mostly inherent in men. It is called rheumatoid nodulosis.
What does official medicine offer for healing?
Treatment of rheumatoid nodules involves the elimination of the underlying disease - rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, it is assumed the use of non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory effect. These medicines are used quite often because they have no side effects.
As a rule, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Meloxicam is recommended for patients. The initial dose of the drug is 15 mg. As the inflammation is removed, it can be reduced by half. The minimum dose is taken for a long time and serves to maintain the patient's condition.
The drug "Nimesulide" is used at 200 mg per day in two divided doses.
Also widely used is Celecoxib. It is assumed daily use of the drug in an amount of 100-200 mg per day.
It is not recommended to combine the drugs of one group, since the result from this is zero, but the risk of side effects is quite high.
The basic drugs include Methotrexate, Cyclosporin, Sulfazalazine, Azathioprine, etc. Such drugs are prescribed immediately after the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. If for a long time there are no improvements in the patient's condition, then they are supplemented with hormonal agents or replaced.
As a rule, combination with hormones helps to reduce the activity of the pathological process.
When prescribing basic drugs, the doctor monitors the activity of the inflammatory process.
In severe cases of the disease, pulse therapy is usually used, which involves the introduction of a large number of hormonal agents in combination with basic drugs.
Glucocorticosteroid use
Drugs containing hormones are prescribed for increased activity of the inflammatory process. In some cases, gels, ointments, creams containing glucocorticosteroids are used. They are prescribed for local use in the area where subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules are located.
If the surface of the neoplasm is ulcerated, then drugs are prescribed that contribute to the acceleration of epithelization. With a moderate nature of the inflammatory process, hormonal agents are used in maintenance doses. They are taken in parallel with the basic means.
With rheumatoid arthritis, it is necessary to suspend the development of such a complication as osteoporosis. Therefore, calcium and vitamin D are prescribed to patients.
The use of laser therapy
Laser therapy is one way to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This method has a high level of effectiveness in the initial stages of the disease. Laser therapy is used in courses (no more than 15 everyday procedures).
Cryotherapy (cold treatment) is used to relieve pain. Usually 20 procedures are performed.
In the early stages of the disease, calcium electrophoresis is used. The use of magnetotherapy, pulsed current, and in severe cases of phonophoresis of hydrocortisone, has an excellent effect.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy and massage are recommended for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These procedures help relieve muscle cramps and restore the function of damaged joints faster.
With arthritis, hydrogen sulfide or radon baths, mud applications are prescribed.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, you can resort to the use of alternative methods. For the disease, raw potato compresses are used. They are imposed on rheumatoid nodules.
Peeled potatoes should be grated and put the resulting mass in a sieve. He is dipped with potatoes for 2-3 seconds in boiling water. The contents are immediately transferred to the cotton bag. Hot potatoes are applied to the nodule, covered with cellophane and secured with a bandage.
The use of balsam from needles
Nodules with rheumatoid arthritis are eliminated with pine needles balm. This method of treatment is not addictive and therefore can be used over a long period of time.
To prepare the product, 40 g of pine branches and dry rosehip berries are taken in a ratio of 1: 1, as well as a small clove of garlic.
Pine branches boil in two liters of water for 30 minutes. Then the contents are poured into a thermos. Two days later, the infusion is filtered. It should be drunk one glass four times a day. You can add a little honey to taste.
In the presence of rheumatoid nodules, baths with needles also have a good effect.
Dieting
With rheumatoid arthritis, it is recommended to include more fruits, vegetables and berries in the diet. Do not eat tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes. You should reduce the consumption of sugar, white bread and other flour products, drink more clean water (about 6-8 glasses a day).
Successful control of the disease requires omega-3 fatty acids. They are found in large quantities in seafood, rapeseed oil and soy.
An important role is played by the psychological aspect. The patient should set himself in a positive mood and accurately follow all the doctor’s instructions. Only in this case he will be able to achieve a long-term remission of the disease.
Prevention and prognosis of the disease
It should be remembered that rheumatoid arthritis has a chronic course. However, if treatment was started on time, and preventive measures are carried out with regularity, then it is possible to achieve long-term remission. In no case should you resort to self-medication. Therapy should be carried out only by a professional specialist.
Preventive measures are to conduct therapeutic exercises. Patients should combine aerobic exercise with exercise for overall strength. A set of exercises is selected by the doctor individually. As a rule, patients are advised to visit the swimming pool, cycling, walking.
The choice of load depends on the physical fitness of the patient. It should increase in stages.