What is the significance of Heberden's nodes in a clinical examination?

Heberden's nodes are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers and are significant indicators of osteoarthritis, a form of degenerative joint disease. The presence of these nodes is often associated with the wear and tear of cartilage and the development of new bone formations, which are hallmark characteristics of osteoarthritis.

In a clinical examination, identifying Heberden's nodes can support the diagnosis of degenerative joint disease, as they typically appear in older adults and are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. This finding provides valuable information to healthcare providers, helping to establish the underlying cause of a patient's joint symptoms and to differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is associated with different joint manifestations and inflammation patterns.