That's quite a nodule you have there, Jimbob. Since you say it has grown fast this seems like a good time to see a specialist experienced in RT before they grow too much and harden. I haven't read much about RT at your young age, but quick RT may turn out to be beneficial in your case before big cords develop with are then likely to curl your fingers and now longer respond to RT.

Based on all I have read I personally wouldn't expect any impact of oils, vitamins, massage, changes in nutrition or praying etc. on the evolution of the disease, but if it makes you feel better and doesn't get in the way of treatments which have actually proven to be effective to delay, halt or reverse the evolution of nodule, cords and contracture, you can try those and report back. I would also forget about tattoos once and for all.

Stef

[54 year-old male, DD diagnosis 2006, RH contracture and NA/PNF 2014, RT 2015, wearing night splint glove]

Hi again jimbob

Sorry to hear your consultation with the GP did not go well. I don't think there's any options on the NHS prior to a contracture, except the hard to get RT. I will send you a PM though. I don't think a steroid shot is approved either, and it's usefulness is doubtful, unless you have pain. You could push for that if your hand is sore and interferes with the marking, or teaching. You could also push for a second opinion, but will come up against the same obstacles unless the doctor wants to explore ways to help you now.

I would not recommend straining against the pull of the cord. Some things you could try, although none of these are guaranteed to help, try wearing a splint glove at night, try wrapping silicon gel plasters on it at night, inside the splint if you use that, people on here have claimed bio-oil helps but I am dubious of that one. Try gently rubbing in a hand lotion with vitamin E oil. These things are all of doubtful value though, but they may make you feel better to be doing something.

Best wishes
SB

Sent you pm.

Edited 04/05/16 22:01