I am a 56 year old female, nee Thomasson, with Nordic Viking ancestors having settled from Ireland on the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire, England in 902. My father exhibited severe Dupuytrens, as did my grandfather, and my paternal aunt. I have the disease moderately advancing in my right (dominant) hand.
My question is: In my left hand, I have a “knuckle pad” on my pinkie finger, and experience occasional UBER SEVERE “catches” or “twinges” on my outer left palm. This can occur suddenly, and without aggravation, e.g., opening a car door, tying a scarf. The pain is debilitating. It feels as if I have “karate chopped” a brick wall. My outer palm feels tender and bruised. I need help with simple tasks, e.g., fastening my bra, lifting a pot of oatmeal….The pain gradually subsides over 5-9 days, and I’m good as new ’till the next occurrence… This happens 3-4 times a year.
Related to Dupuytrens? Any idea what this is? I haven’t been able to find any other references. BTW, I also do have carpal tunnel syndrome in the dominant right hand (the Depuytrens Claw…) but control that thru acupuncture – Currently not an issue.
Many Thanks!
Deborah
Greetings Deborah,
You certainly fit the classic description for the genetic basis of Dupuytren’s contracture.
In severe Dupuytren disease there can be related soft tissue problems, especially with the tendon sheaths and nerves if there is significant anatomical compromise in this part of the body where so many delicate structures are so closely packed together – no room for error, you might say. Your occasional and temporary “uber severe” left hand episodes could be related to infrequent exacerbation caused by over work or slight unnoticed trauma that has disproportionate consequences. If there is an association between the two it could be of the strong indirect kind because of the possibility you are developing DC in the other hand as well.
Have you considered trying to help yourself with natural Dupuytren treatment? TRH
I have had Dupuytren’s contracture for a great many years. I’ve never had insurance so treatment has never been possible. I now have 2 more fingers that seem to be affected and now it’s impacting me in a way that is difficult to manage. When I wake up in the morning I now have the 3d and 4th fingers locked down in the same position as my 5th fingure and while I no longer can straighten my little finger the 3d and 4th I can but with great pain. I’ve just investigated the injection treatment with enzymes and this procedure seems not as effective as Needle Aponeurotomy but because free advice is almost impossible to come by these days, what am I to do.
It would be an awesome experience to find a medical professional willing to advise for informational purposes on my Dupuytren’s contracture so that a struggling individual can make an informed decision as to how to face this challenge.
Thanks for reading!
-Phillip Schlueter
Dupuytren’s contracture came on slowly over 20 or 30 years.
First, just an inconvenience.
Left hand. Ring finger.
Annoyed me because I hid it — pretty well.
Then — at age 57 or so, it really grabbed me.
Seriously. One day, it made itself known in my life.
Stabbing pain. Out of the blue. Rat bastard gremlin seemed to be stabbing me. With a stiletto. And with no warning.
And it got worse.
Finally, at the point where it was driving me crazy, I asked VA to fix it.
They did.
That’s a whole ‘nuther story.
Greetings Michael,
I am intrigued by your story of Dupuytren’s contracture. What happened as a result of the VA managing your hand? TRH
Greetings Phillip,
Both needle aponeurotomy (NA) and Xiaflex (collagenase) injections for Dupuytren’s contracture are not guaranteed walks in the park; both have serious recurrence rates; both have significant side effects in many people who encounter more injury as a result of blind work that is done without the surgeon being able to actually see the tissue he is working on. As you mentioned your Dupuytren’s contracture has been going on a great many years, so you might be better off without disturbing it than if you engaged it in either of these two ways. Alt Med is something you might want to consider; no side effects. TRH