I have these beginning at my joints as well. My rheumatologist said they are Heberden's nodes. Apparently it is a symptom of osteoarthritis. My husband suggested "Hot Hands" one day, and now I use one all the time. They help alot!
Hot Hands are those little hand warmers like hunters use.....

Sounds like rheumatoid arthritis

If they are on the middle joints thats a sign of RA, if on top joints its OA.

Are they calcium deposits?