Hello, all! I haven't posted in a while and hope you are all well and happy.

I've decided to finally remove the knuckle pad I've developed on the middle finger of my right hand. Surgery is scheduled for August 3rd, but I wanted to check here first with a couple of concerns before I take the plunge.

I remember Dido had a bunch of pads removed last year. I am searching for her posts but can't find them. Dido, are you still here? If so, Id love to know how you are doing.

Would also love to hear from anyone else who has had the procedure. My two main concerns are loss of movement (I type a lot for a living) and that the surgery will trigger the exacerbation of DC (I have Ledderhose but rest of my hands are clear). I am 34.

Any insights/feedback most appreciated.

Pixi - Can I ask why you are having the knuckle pads removed?

I ask because most medical professionals, as well as people who have them, say that knuckle pads are essentially asymptomatic. Mine however, cause significant pain and limit my flex range of motion in my PIPs to the point where I cannot play guitar. This has significantly affected my quality of life and I'm searching for a solution.

The consensus among doctors here in the Dallas area is that my presentation is consistent with "early stage" Dupuytrens, hence I have been using this forum in attempt to find anyone experiencing similar symptoms or who saw Dups begin and progress in this manner. I'm positive there are many who started with knuckle pads, but no one has admitted to the kind of devastating early symptoms I am suffering.

So I am very interested in your case. Are you having the pads removed for reasons other than cosmetic?

Please keep me updated.

Oh by the way, my doctors, as well as my cousin who is a reconstructive hand surgeon in Mew Mexico, all gave me the exact same advice regarding knuckle pad removal.... don't do it. They are not living my life of agony however....

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Great replies. I have decided to cancel my surgery.

Yes, the pad causes me discomfort, especially when I type. But if it's going to grow back, then I don't want to risk it.

Funnily enough, the day I wrote this post I was discussing my surgery with a friend I have known for over a year, and she said, "Oh my, I have those too!"

Turns out she has knuckle pads AND ledderhose just like me. And we never noticed. So does her brother. Her attitude about it was so different than mine and so refreshing that, together with your responses, I have reconsidered.

Thank you again.

I feel for you, guitarist. What exercises have you been recommended?

Jim, I've been very intrigued by your case since reading the forums. Can you tell me how your pads went away? Was it gradually? Were there any lifestyle changes present that could have contributed to them?

I only developed the pad and ledderhose after moving from the US to the UK. The hand specialist says it might have been a factor. I am curious to see what happens if I move back. :)

My first indication of DC was a single knuckle pad when I was in my 30s. By the time I was going in for my first palm surgery, I was in my 40s, that first pad had gone away very slowly over a period of years but another had appeared, which I had removed during the surgery. In the 10 years since then, pads appeared on several knuckles but by now have mostly gone away.

I have no explanation for this. I still have severe Dupuytren's and Lederhose. The DC contractures never reverse on their own. Somehow, the knuckle pads are different.

When I had the first surgery I mentioned the vanished knuckle pad to the surgeon and he acted very surprised. In fact I'm not sure he entirely believed me.