Heberden's nodes are commonly associated with which type of arthritis?

Heberden's nodes are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers and are a classic sign associated with osteoarthritis. This condition is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs, leading to joint pain and stiffness. The presence of Heberden's nodes indicates that there has been wear and tear on the joints, which is typical in osteoarthritis.

While rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis can cause joint swelling and changes, Heberden's nodes specifically are not found in these conditions. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, the joint involvement tends to affect the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints more prominently and is characterized by systemic symptoms and symmetrical joint involvement. Similarly, in gout and lupus arthritis, the patterns of joint involvement differ significantly from that seen in osteoarthritis. Thus, the association of Heberden's nodes with osteoarthritis highlights the unique pathophysiology of this degenerative joint disease.