Hard bumps that gradually appear around the finger joints can be concerning, especially when they begin on one finger and later become noticeable on several others. In older adults, one common explanation is hand osteoarthritis, a condition in which the tissues inside and around a joint gradually change over time.
The bumps shown in the image are similar in appearance to what are commonly called Heberden’s nodes. These are firm, bony enlargements that develop around the distal interphalangeal joints, which are the joints closest to the fingernails. They can affect one finger or several fingers and may develop gradually over months or years.
Although the word “spreading” can sound alarming, these bumps are not necessarily an infection moving from one finger to another. When several fingers develop similar changes, it can simply mean that osteoarthritis or another joint condition is affecting multiple joints.
As the cartilage and other structures within a joint change, the body can produce additional bone around the edges of the joint. These bony growths, known as osteophytes or bone spurs, can make the joint look enlarged and knobby. Over time, the enlargement can become quite noticeable.
Some people experience pain and stiffness when these changes first develop. The fingers may feel uncomfortable when opening jars, gripping objects, writing, cooking, or performing other everyday activities. In other cases, the bumps may become prominent without causing significant pain.
See more on the next page