Main Content
Top of the page
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 idiopathic 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.
Current as of: September 8, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.