Dr. Herazy,
Is Dupuytren’s Contracture in the arthritis family? And, if it is, what vitamins should I be taking for the swelling and losing the use of my last two fingers.
Thank you.
Greetings,
No, Dupuytren contracture is not in the arthritis family. By definition, an arthritis is an inflammation of a joint. Joint inflammation and swelling are not the primary element of the problem of the excess collagen formation in the palm of the hand known as Dupuytren contracture. While the joints of the finger might eventually become affected, it is a secondary complication.
Which vitamins to take is discussed at length on the DCI website. You can begin your reading at Introduction to Natural Dupuytren Treatment. The process of determining exactly which vitamins, minerals, enzymes or other external therapies to use is also discussed in that same section. It is determined by monitoring the condition of the size, shape, density and adherence of the Dupuytren nodule to the deep fascia of the palm as you experiment with the therapies available on the DCI website. TRH
My wife has dupuytrens contracture in her left hand. She also has osteoarthritis in the left thumb base. It has been suggested to my wife that she possesses “power grip” and this should overcome the problems with pain and gripping items with her left hand. My wife has tried to grip things tightly but is unable to do so. Is there one remedy for both problems? Regards Terry McGorrigan
Greetings Terry,
Not sure of what two problems this power gripper device is supposed to help, the osteoarthritis and Dupuytren’s contracture? If that is your question, my opinion is that finger flexion exercise per se will do nothing to help Dupuytren’s contracture. If anything, she should be doing finger extension exercise as a way to reduce the tendency of the fingers to flex as her Dupuytren’s contracture advances. TRH