When do subcutaneous nodules appear in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?

Later in disease: Rheumatoid nodules are collections of scar tissue that has built up from repeated vessel damage from rheumatoid arthritis. Ra can cause vasculitis (vessel inflammation) that causes scar tissue during healing. Almost all people are rheumatoid factor positive, and occurs usually in later stages of disease.

Anytime/often later: Rheumatoid nodules occur in about 35% of RA patients. Interestingly, smoking and the use of Methotrexate increases the risk of developing these nodules. They tend to appear later in the disease course but can occur really at any time.