Author Topic: Dupuytren’s Contracture advice  (Read 1443 times)

Kris

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Dupuytren’s Contracture advice
« on: May 09, 2021, 04:42:18 PM »
I hope this is an okay forum to post this question, as part of my inquiry is financially motivated.

I have recently started showing symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture. I haven’t been formally diagnosed, but my dad had it, so I recognize it when I see it. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s basically a condition in which nodules and cords form in your hand, and the cords start pulling one or more of your fingers inward, so eventually your hand looks a bit like a claw.

I’ve done a search in the forums for posts about the condition, but what I’ve seen just amounts to posts mentioning it in passing. So I’m starting a thread for advice, because I know the people here to be intelligent and discerning in their ways of dealing with challenges.

Specifically, I would love to hear from people who:

1) have educated opinions on the best treatments for slowing/stopping/correcting the progression of the disease, especially in its early stages;

2) have suggestions in terms of lifestyle or dietary changes that have improved outcomes (with the caveat that I’m not very into woo)

3) have good advice in terms of navigating the US health insurance and medical industrial complex in terms of getting treatment, especially if you have gone the route of radiation therapy.

Thank you so much in advance!

Missy B

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Re: Dupuytren’s Contracture advice
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2021, 12:25:33 PM »
HI Kris-
Dupytren's runs in my family. As you may already know, it's genetic, and indicates nordic heritage. It mainly shows in men, though women can get it (Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher being one famous example). The more a person uses their hands (esp hard use like trades) the more the Dupytren's contracture will typically progess.

There is surgery to release the scarring (this is a lot of down time and usually you get some scarring/fascial adhesion from the surgery itself). Needling, which is a newer approach, is a better option. My uncle and Grandfather had the surgery, my Dad had the needling (his developed later because he didn't do as much manual work, needling wasn't available when the other two needed treatment.)

In terms of prevention, frictioning over the adhering tendon to keep them mobile should actually help if you you do it at least daily. Most people just don't stick with it.
Cold laser potentially  -- no one in my family has tried this, but I would look into it if it were me. Treatment costs would add up there though.
Probably the anti-inflammatory diet, if followed strictly, would help slow adhesion because the whole process is mediated by inflammation. Less inflammatory conditions in the body, less adhesion.

Kris

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Re: Dupuytren’s Contracture advice
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2021, 12:33:18 PM »
Thanks for your reply, @Missy B! I have been gently stretching every day, but I'll look at adding friction.

SunnyDays

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Re: Dupuytren’s Contracture advice
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2021, 03:50:51 PM »
I have this in my right pointer finger.  It started a few years ago, in my late 50s, with a nodule at the base of the finger and some inward curving.  I have no Nordic heritage I know of and there’s no family history.  I think mine is due to general strain on my hands from activities like heavy gardening, lifting more weight than I should and holding back a strong dog on walks.  It all added up.

I saw a PT, who gave me stretching exercises to do, which actually made it worse.  I read one article that said that could happen and recommended against it.  A surgeon said it was not bad enough to correct, saying that until it got to a 90 degree angle, it wasn’t worth it.  So I did nothing, except for some gentle massaging around the nodule, and a few years later, it’s actually straight again, although there is a clicking in the most palm ward joint when straightening from a bent position.  It only hurts if I try to push it further than it wants to go.  I rarely notice that it’s an issue anymore.