Hi Debra Australia Calling,
Welcome to the forum. I like yourself have high arches and this is not a contributor to ML. However in 2000 I developed Ledderhose and pressure points under the balls of my feet. I visited a Podiatrist who also was surgeon. I had orthotics made which distributed the weight over the whole foot as well as reducing side rolling of the feet. You mention you have bunion so the first thing is- the end of high heeled shoes. I would seek advise from a podiatrist to see if that helps before surgery .I recently had radiotherapy on both feet and hands in 07 for MD- ML and am happy with the results so far. About 40% of patients with ML also have knuckle pads. Unfortunately knuckle pads are an indicator the disease may be aggressive . The fact that your are only 34 yr and had surgery is not good. I was diagnosed at 35yr but no surgery until 50 yr then multiple surgeries. You say your father has had muliple surgery as well. You may consider radiotherapy. Have you looked at the Dupuytren Society web page http://www.dupuytren-online.info There is lots of reading. I have read that carpel tunnel /trauma can trigger dups. have a look on Google type in youtube-dupuytren 1-22-07 make your own decision. Unfortunately if your bunion affects you quality of life you have no other option but surgery.Finally RT. works best on the nodules before there is any contracture of the hand. Hope this helps . Regards

Edited at 04/13/08 09:57

I didn't have surgery yet. My doctor fitted me for orthotics as a starting point because the way I walk is causing or contributing to my bunions (I thought I really only had one bunion but the doc said I have 2!). This doctor also didn't give me a definitive answer about bunion surgery contributing to my ledderhose. Sorry I don't have much of an answer for you!