Hand nodes and bumps

[RichW187]

Hello, I am a 19 year old male with bumps on my hands that I believe to be to be heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes. The bumps redish in color at the tips of my fingers while the large middle joints seem to shift the position of my fingers. I saw a general practitioner and had x-rays and blood work done. I have neither osteo or rheumatoid arthritis! I am 90% positive that they are from excessive cracking of my fingers as the ones that received the most cracking are in worse shape. Any help and advice would be much appreciated...

[RichW187]

I have been attempting to find a good doctor in the area, although i'm unsure as to what kind of doctor would have the most knowledge on this particular subject?

[txsilver]

Did the doctor do a biopsy of the nodes?  There are many possible causes of this condition.  I recommend you see your doctor again or a different doctor and have this fully investigated before you settle on it being a result of cracking your fingers.  While that may be possible, if there is something else in play here, you're best off to have it diagnosed and treated early.  Please let us know what you find out.  Best of luck.

[RichW187]

The xrays as far as I know did not show any malformation of the bone. The doctor did not state a cause, I did tell him that I thought it was from cracking. The bumps can hurt at times from certain activities and if pressure is applied to certain ones. As for interfering, I am a guitar player and still manage to play so I can still manage. Although I do feel that my grip strength is not what it should be. I have stopped cracking for some time now and see no difference. I keep them active (guitar playing, etc) so they still seem responsive.

[txsilver]

Interesting post.  You have me full of questions.  Did the xrays show any malformation of the bone at all?  What did the doctor say was the cause?  Do the bumps hurt, burn or ache?  Do they interfere with you using your hands?  Have you stopped cracking your joints and, if so, does the swelling go down if you do?  Does anything make them better or worse?