My grandma has these hard bumps forming on her finger joints near the nails. Why is this spreading?

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for developing Heberden’s nodes and osteoarthritis. The likelihood of these conditions increases with age, particularly after 45. However, genetics also play a crucial role, as having a family history of osteoarthritis can increase one’s risk.

Gender is another important factor, with women being more prone to developing Heberden’s nodes than men. This is believed to be due to hormonal differences, particularly after menopause, which may affect joint health and increase susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

While Heberden’s nodes are generally a sign of osteoarthritis, it’s important to rule out other potential conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, can also cause nodules on the fingers, but these are typically softer and associated with more systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever.