The study is interesting and subject to interpretation.
While I do not advocate alcohol consumption, I do recommend
that those who imbibe might best limit the amount and
frequency (moderation if not abstience.) Having said that,
it is entirely plausible (although not proved) that the
genetic vulnerability for alcoholism is closely associated
with the genetic vulnerability for DD/DC. Like height and weight, an asociation might exist; however, exceptions also
exist. I am not advocating denial (drink at any cost.) I
am saying that tee-totaling DD/DC suffers are very possibly
precisely that: potential alcoholics who never imbribe, but
do have DD/DC. The fact that heavy drinkers have more DD/DC
may, or may not, suggest that volume relates to incidence.
It might just mean a stronger expression of one or both traits. Please understand, I am not advocating drinking
as unrelated to DD/DC. I am suggesting that all alcoholics
do not have DD/DC; all DD/DC do not have alcoholism. Many
have both. Look for more than one cause/connection. It may
be that severity is a symptom, not a cause. To be on the
safe side, don't drink alcohol; however, you may still get
DD/DC. My question is, "Why?" I suspect biologic predisposition based on heredity (Viking curse.)
"What's in your wallet?"

Randy, Unfortunately, I have no clue what you are talking about. I never took a course in statistics. My point is that DD/DC is much more subtle than drug, alcohol mediated. Focusing on (possible) co-factors may take one away from the primary search for the underlying genetic cause. The Vikings may have sown more than one seed. We
do not all get the triple crown; likewise, we do not all
get seizure disorders or alcoholism. Something is at work.
I apologize if that is obvious; some posts suggest that
DD/DC is self inflicted by meds or alcohol. Meds do not
cause the seizures; alcohol does not cause alcoholism.
One has to have a predisposition or injury (DNA.) Likwise,
home remedies are unlikely to alter DD/DC's course. That
is just my opinion, not "truth." Enjoy your Cabernet; make
mine a Petite Syrah/Cote du Rhone.

i have dd, 17yrs ago my soles of my feet were operated on, no problem, today, i am a drinker, and i think, it has a c0rrelation, alcohol afects the liver,the liver is a filter,for toxins,if the liver dont work,you can get dd, i beleive, i smoke also,i have dd in my hands now, i am 61yrs old,my left hand is getting worse, when i drink, my dd flairs up, burns, and is sore,i have been contoling this with, vitamin regimin for 20 yrs,and it helps,also fish oil. flax seed oil, and e, i soak my hand in hot water every 2 days for 25 mins, also rub, flax seed oil on my hand, and cover with a rubber glove every other night, all night long, it seems to help, also b6, helps greatly,. good luck, ed

Perhaps we should consider that a lot of our ancestors in northern Europe had, and have, a fondness for alcohol.
Two branches on the same genetic tree, so to speak?
They don't call it Scotch for nothing.
Could be adaptation, making it harder to get your hand around a bottle.
Lots of good stuff about NA, no real good surgery fans. I've had two surgerys. One 15 yrs ago at age 50 for left ring and pinky, and one 3 weeks ago for left index PIP. Both were very successful, fully functional on first operation, and apparently so on the recent procedure.
I'll have to have the right hand done down the road, so I hope they make progress in other procedures so I don't have to stay off the golf course for so long.(wife agrees)
Most Docs seem to consider NA as at best an inferior choice, and at worse a hoe-axe.
Maybe people with sucessful surgery don't post to forems?
thanks, Baron

Joann,

Heavy drinking is simply a risk factor for Dups, not a cause. If your finger is bent as much as 30 degrees and increasing, surgery will be needed. Unfortunately the only type of surgery your doc will recommend is a fully invasive Open Surgery known as a "Limited Fasciectomy". See Dr. Eaton's web site for an explanation of the far less invasive approach known as "NA".

see: http://www.handcenter.org/newfile16.htm

Eaton will be presenting information about this new procedure in September at the next convention of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand. That's likely when and where your surgeon will become more informed.

Don't have the full surgery without *first* checking out the noninvasive option. I think it's worth a plain ride if that's what it takes for you. At least now you know.