RT does not release the cords. NA done first, followed by RT about 3 months later. Even after the cords were released by NA, I had multiple nodules and my hand was tight across the palm from pinky to thumb. My thumb was actually the most involved finger. Tightness was released by RT by reducing the nodules, I think. Some nodules went away, others got smaller and/or softer. I could expand my hand almost as much as before Dupuys, especially from pinky to thumb.
I can now see puckering and nodules in my fingers indicating Dupuys, especially in the first joint of my pinky and in my thumb. That's what I think may be causing the tightness in my hand. The span from pinky to thumb is not as wide.

I can compare easily because my left hand is not affected, at least NOT YET. I can see some cords developing in my left palm, but not contracture. As in my right hand, it seems to be more in the palm and not so much in the fingers, so the contracture is feeling of tightness in the palm. That's the only way I know to describe it. I feel fortunate to not have contracture in my fingers, I think. I also don't have pain like others describe. I wonder if it is because it's mostly in my palm. Who know with the weird disease!

Maybe you and I are both candidates for night splints. I haven't used one at all, but I think I'm going to get one made. I did call about having one made, but they wouldn't do it without a prescription. I never got around to getting the prescription. Others have said they thought it made a big difference, and I think relieving the tightness was one of the benefits.
Maybe it would have tamed down whatever is going on with my hand now. Or maybe not. I'm into prevention and it is worth a try.

Cindy,

I know I still have problems with my hand. Lately I have felt like the tightness is somewhat back. Compared to a year ago prior to RT my hand is wonderful. It feels enough like my left that I forget and I over do it. My hand has ached this past few days and it worries me. Mentally I fear it will never be like it was. I pulled weeds and worked a lot in the yard and I believe that is what caused it to hurt. I know that I get a twinge when I am making the bed and I grab the sheet and spread and pull to the top of the bed. That motion that requires fingers to thumb in a gripping like motion hurts every time I do it. My hand feels so good that I forget . . . and then I trim trees or cut a lot of vegetables and I am reminded that it is still there, lurking. Hang in there, for without the RT I would be in a world of hurt. I can't imagine what my hand would look like without it. My hand hasn't improved the last few months, but it also has not gotten any worse. If it remains stable I will be happy.


Regards,

Lori