Arthritis: What are the good ways to cure Bouchard's node?

I find that exercising my fingers, which do have Bouchard's nodes, only exacerbates the enlargement and discomfort, which I have found to be permanent unlike distress in my other joints.  I actually try to protect my fingers from any use that cause these joints to hurt.  This and the use of custom finger braces (made by an occupational therapist from molded plastic) are what I have found to keep the enlargements from getting worse.  My suggestion, unlike some of the ones given here, is to protect your fingers as much as humanely possibly.  The more you stress these joints, the more damage that is inflicted, and that damage is permanent, or so it has been in my fingers. I did read that Orencia, a biologic for those with RA, can help reduce the size of these nodes over time.  I have not tried this, and I would certainly proceed with caution re the use of any biologic if you don't have RA. I have also found that heat aggravates the nodes. I also use the self-sticking adhesive wrap (available everywhere, e.g., http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/3M/MON84152000.html?source=Froogle3&utm_source=Froogle3&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=parts&utm_keyword=MON84152000&utm_content=Medical&gclid=CIervaXkkbcCFcIv4AodlnsAmA) around them when they are aggravated to compress and protect them. I also maintain hope, however, that every year brings us closer to more effective treatment for Bouchard's and other forms of arthritis.  Below is some information about Bouchard's. They only cure for Bouchard's nodes is surgical removal of the node. These nodes are usually left untreated if they do not cause symptoms, such as pain and joint immobilization. The first line of treatment usually occurs as symptoms occur.   Sometimes doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and narcotics. However, once the node causes immobilization of the finger, some doctors will recommend removing it. The key question when considering surgery is, ?Is the node effecting quality of life??   If the answer is yes, then it is a good time to talk to your doctor about trying anti-inflammatory medications. If that does not cure it, then it could be time to talk about surgical removal.   http://www.webanswers.com/health/disease-conditions/is-there-a-cure-or-treatment-for-bouchards-nodes-7c0675 Treatment Options   Use of mild narcotic painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections can certainly help in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis in fingers to a great extent. In case of a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may also be prescribed for slowing down the progression of the disease. If the interphalangeal joint is severely affected by osteoarthritis, and this deformity is interfering with hand function, doctors may recommend surgery for the removal of these nodes.   The aim of this surgery is to recover the range of motion of the hand. Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that can help in the detection of bone spurs. If the diagnostic tests reveal the formation of bone spurs at the proximal interphalangeal joint, surgical procedures such as arthroplasty or arthrodesis may be used for treating this deformity. Arthrodesis refers to a procedure wherein the ends of the bones of the joint may be surgically fused together into one bone. Though the pain that results from friction between the bone ends would be eliminated, there is one major drawback. Fusion of the joint may sometimes, affect the range of motion. One may find it hard to grip objects if fusion causes stiffness or affects the range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This is the reason why arthrodesis is seen as a better treatment option for the distal interphalangeal joint.   On the other hand, arthroplasty refers to the replacement of a degenerated joint through surgery. Under this procedure, the affected joint is replaced with an artificial joint. Artificial or prosthetic joints made from silicone rubber are inserted into the shaft of the bone so as to increase the range of motion of the finger. Swanson implant and the Sutter implant are the most commonly used silicone joint implants that are inserted into the joint. Though this procedure also facilitates an improved hand function, the artificial joint would not last for too long in case of people leading a very active lifestyle. These prosthetic joints, may however, last for several years in case of elderly people. Elderly people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are considered to be the most suitable candidates for this surgical procedure.   Surgery, drug therapy and lifestyle-related changes can certainly help in the treatment of this finger deformity. As is the case with any medical condition, a timely diagnosis and treatment can certainly prevent the joint from losing its range of motion. The earlier this condition is treated, the better would be the chances of recovering the range of motion of the affected finger or the hand. Read more at Buzzle:http://www.buzzle.com/articles/bouchards-nodes.html   http://www.buzzle.com/articles/bouchards-nodes.html The below is re arthritis in general; I've tried to remove the most irrelevant bullets. Treatment Available treatments include: •          Avoid actions that strain finger joints. For example, instead of a clutch-style purse, select one with a shoulder strap. Use hot water to loosen a jar lid and pressure from your palm to open it, or use a jar opener. Don't twist or use your joints forcefully. •          Spread the weight of an object over several joints. Use both hands, for example, to lift a heavy pan. Try using a walking stick or cane. ·        Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These both relieve pain and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs range from aspirin, ibuprofen (found in Advil and Motrin), ketoprofen (Actron and Orudis) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) to more powerful prescription drugs. Possible side effects of NSAIDs include ringing in the ears, ulcers, stomach or intestinal bleeding, kidney damage, heart failure, fluid retention and cognitive changes. •          Topical pain relievers. Over-the-counter creams, gels, ointments and sprays can temporarily relieve arthritis pain and reduce inflammation in joints close to the surface of the skin, such as fingers, knees and elbows. Topical pain relievers include trolamine salicylate (found in Aspercreme and Sportscreme); methyl salicylate, menthol and camphor (found in Double Ice ArthriCare, Eucalyptamint, Icy Hot and Ben-Gay); or capsaicin from the seeds of hot chili peppers (found in Zostrix and Capzasin-P). •          COX-2 inhibitors. These are as effective for managing pain and inflammation as NSAIDs, but they have fewer stomach-injuring side effects. Examples include celecoxib (Celebrex) and rofecoxib (Vioxx). They are more expensive than NSAIDs and do have side effects of their own, including fluid retention (which may worsen heart failure). They may also be associated with an increased risk of heart attack, transient ischemic attack or stroke. •          Corticosteroids. Injected into the joint, corticosteroids can relieve some pain for four to six months. Knee joints may be treated with Hylan G-F20 (Synvisc) and hyaluronate (Hyalgan) but requires three to five weekly injections. Pain relief is usually achieved more slowly with shots than with corticosteroids, but it lasts longer. To effectively manage the condition, those with osteoarthritis can also: •          Apply cold for occasional flare-ups. Cold may dull the sensation of pain in the first day or two. Cold also decreases muscle spasms. Don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness. •          Use braces, a cane or special tools and gadgets that help you have an active, independent life without joint strain. •          Take medications as recommended. Taking them regularly instead of waiting for pain to build will lessen the overall intensity of discomfort. http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Osteoarthritis.aspx

If it is not painful then I don't think it could be Bouchard's joint as it is a part of arthritis only (Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis) and are painful in nature. Also, I'n not a medical practitioner and have learnt thins through my own experiences with disease. With my experience I have learned that these problematic nodes (Boucherd's or Heberden's) can be almost corrected with mild exercising. So far I have successfully corrected atleast 4-5 such joints, though I failed with few. My tips: 1. Never leave the affected joint motionless, no matter how much it pains. 2. Don't keep bandages for too long at a stretch. 3. Try to straighten up the joint by applying slight tolerable pressure. 4. Don't skip or alter your medication. I know that managing such joints is very painful, but atleast I can empathize with you. :-)

Arthritis: What are the good ways to cure Bouchard's node?  i am a 24 year old male and it got developed  2 years back(don't know how), it is not painful but can it be developed into a painful arthritis ? I visited a doctor once, he asked me whether it pains, i said no, and he said its congenital disorder but i think it is acquired disorder. There are two kinds of boney nodes that can develop in the fingers.  Bourchard's nodes affect the middle joint, and Heberden's nodes affect the joint closest to the fingernail.  In the picture, Bouchard's nodes are prominent, but it appears Heberden's nodes are present as well.As far as I know, there is no cure for these beyond surgical removal.  Addressing general risk factors for arthritis such as obesity and systemic inflammation, and avoiding activities that overwork or injure your hands may delay or preclude the development of stiffness and pain.