Nodes very different from Heberden’s and Bouchard’s, since they are not degenerative but inflammatory.
Hence, they present with other signs of inflammation, such as flushing of the overlying skin, increased
temperature, thickening of the joint capsule, fluid in the cavity (in part responsible for their fusiform swelling), and limitation of movement. Contrary to Heberden’s, Haygarth’s nodes can be painful and tender. They are typical of RA, affecting proximal PIP joints rather than DIP (which RA never involves). Thus, they resemble more Bouchard’s than Heberden’s. Subcutaneous nodules are very common in RA, having been found on the extensor surfaces of upper extremities (primarily the elbows, but also fingers), knees, ankles, and occiput. Yet, they are not exclusive of RA, but can occur in other rheumatic disorders, like lupus, sarcoid,
rheumatic fever, syphilis, tuberous xanthomatosis, and granuloma annulare.