I'm 17 and a keen rock climber and I think that I have dupuytren's. About 2 months ago I noticed a hard lump about 2 inches below my ring finger but I ignored it at the time as I thought it was just some scar tissue build up. When I mentioned it to my coach this week he said it was really bad, worse than any tendon injury. I have done some research and I think that climbers are more at risk from DC especially those who train for power (as you are slapping for holds). I think it runs in my family because my dad, uncle and grandfather all have it (although they didn't develop it until they were in their fifties. Does anyone else have DC as a teenager or rock climber? I read that radiation therapy can be quite good for the early stages? Also are there any treatments that don't damage the hand, as I don't want to rest from climbing because I'm entering nationals this year and need to be fully fit.

Jeremy, radiation therapy will not hinder you from rock climbing. For most of us, it pretty much doesn't change anything we do. For me, my skin was thickened and sunburned for a few weeks after the 2nd round of treatment, so I would only suggest that if you get RT that you not schedule anything super-demanding for your hands for the month after the 2nd round of treatment.

You might not need RT. You would only want to do it if your DD is "active," as indicated by nodules that are growing and sensations like itchiness. My nodules developed at about age 30, and they remained small and inactive until my 50's when they grew again and a contracture started. When I was 30 I knew nothing of RT, and it's a good thing because there was no point in treating something that wasn't going to cause trouble for another 25 years. So maybe RT is right for you, or maybe you should wait, it just depends on your condition and situation.