Overview
Fibroblastic rheumatism is a very rare connective tissue disorder that affects the skin and joints. It is sometimes called 'fibroblastic rheumatism syndrome.' In this condition, certain cells called fibroblasts — which normally help build and repair tissue — become overactive and produce too much fibrous (scar-like) tissue in the wrong places. This leads to firm, painless or mildly painful nodules (small lumps) forming under the skin, along with joint stiffness and swelling that can look similar to rheumatoid arthritis. The disease typically causes thickening of the skin on the hands and fingers, making it harder to bend them fully. Nodules often appear on the fingers, hands, and near joints. Joint involvement can affect the hands, wrists, knees, and other areas, causing pain and reduced range of motion. Some people also develop thickening of the palms (similar to Dupuytren's contracture). There is no cure for fibroblastic rheumatism. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preserving joint function. Doctors may use anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying drugs borrowed from rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Physical therapy is also an important part of care. Because this condition is so rare, treatment is largely based on individual case reports and expert opinion rather than large clinical trials.
Key symptoms:
Firm lumps (nodules) under the skin, especially on the fingers and handsStiff, swollen jointsThickening and tightening of the skin on the hands and fingersDifficulty fully bending or straightening the fingersJoint pain, especially in the hands and wristsThickening of the palms (similar to Dupuytren's contracture)Reduced grip strengthSwelling around jointsSkin that feels firm or leathery over affected areas
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Fibroblastic rheumatism.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Fibroblastic rheumatism at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Fibroblastic rheumatism.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Fibroblastic rheumatism.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Fibroblastic rheumatism
No recent news articles for Fibroblastic rheumatism.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you about this diagnosis, and what tests confirm it?,What treatment options are available for me, and what are the risks and benefits of each?,How quickly might my symptoms progress, and what signs should I watch for?,Should I see a physical or occupational therapist, and how often?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?,Are there other specialists I should see as part of my care team?,What can I do at home to protect my joints and slow the progression?
Common questions about Fibroblastic rheumatism
What is Fibroblastic rheumatism?
Fibroblastic rheumatism is a very rare connective tissue disorder that affects the skin and joints. It is sometimes called 'fibroblastic rheumatism syndrome.' In this condition, certain cells called fibroblasts — which normally help build and repair tissue — become overactive and produce too much fibrous (scar-like) tissue in the wrong places. This leads to firm, painless or mildly painful nodules (small lumps) forming under the skin, along with joint stiffness and swelling that can look similar to rheumatoid arthritis. The disease typically causes thickening of the skin on the hands and fing
How is Fibroblastic rheumatism inherited?
Fibroblastic rheumatism follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Fibroblastic rheumatism typically begin?
Typical onset of Fibroblastic rheumatism is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Fibroblastic rheumatism?
15 specialists and care centers treating Fibroblastic rheumatism are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.