 [ Symptoms ] i have had arthritis and heberden is nodes in my hands for several years cysts are forming on the nodes what can i do [ Disease ] heberden is nodes are bony prominences that occur at the smallest joint at the end of the fingers they develop as a result of inflammation that occurs in the bone under adjacent cartilage that has wear from degenerative arthritis osteoarthritis they can become inflamed at times and be painful sometimes a tiny fluid filled cyst called a ganglion forms adjacent to the involved joint to reduce inflammation sometimes anti inflammatory medications can be of help if a cyst has formed at the joint it can require an evaluation by a hand surgeon to consider surgical removal you should discuss the best options for you with your doctor