Subcutaneous nodules in rheumatoid arthritis are also known as rheumatoid nodules. About 15-20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have subcutaneous nodules, and these patients are often positive for rheumatoid factor. Superficial nodules are most often found in the joint eminences and in areas that are often subject to pressure and wear, such as the elbow, the eminence of the joint, or attached to the periosteum, tendons and tendon sheaths, and occasionally in the spine, scalp, heel, and tendon sheaths. The nodules may vary in size from one to several and may be as small as a soybean to as large as a walnut, with a firm texture and no or mild tenderness to palpation. The nodules can be pushed if they are subcutaneously located, but not if they are subperiosteal, tendon sheath or joint capsule adhesions. Nodules may persist for weeks, months, or even years. In a few patients, nodules may soften, shrink, or even disappear. Rheumatoid nodules that appear in the internal organs of the heart, lungs, and meninges often cause corresponding systemic symptoms. After the active rheumatoid phase, the nodules may disappear.