Hi All
Does anyone want to add to the list I've started to help newcomers? It would be good to hear from all you fitness freaks out there too and those with advanced or aggressive forms of the condition

Just select the list (below) in your quote and feel free to add as many extra items as you like (even if contradict other suggestions)

All the best
Di


Every experience is different, but here are a few things to try out.

Things that help:
- Keeping feet covered in socks all the time
- Thick, soft cushioned socks best
- Good solid shoes with stiff soles and a soft inner lining when exercising or on longer walks + the thick cushioned socks
- Exercise is great for me (not recommended when in pain), so long as I stop when I become conscious of the nodules. My feet actually feel good afterwards
- I massage the nodules with 25% urea cream twice a day and run a tennis ball along the arch some days for a really good rub which helps to relax the nodules (not recommended while in pain)

Things that can cause problems:
- Sitting and standing for long periods or stopping and starting e.g. grocery shopping (may have something to do with the blood circulation?)
- Stretching the plantar tendon is NOT recommended
- Be careful with orthotics as they can also set pain off if they are not right for you.

Hi Beth
I was preoccupied with staying physically active when I first started getting symptoms. What I learned is that there are some extreme exercise freaks with this condition so don't feel you have to give up what you love to do. If you look back further in the archives, you will find marathon runners and other sporty types with their stories.

I got a lot of the tips in the list from others on this site, who provided me with invaluable support when I needed it. Yes, this website is a valuable resource for all of us

Have a look through the 'everyday management of ledderhose' thread for lots of comments about shoes.

You should consider radiation treatment, which is very effective for LD, especially in the early stages. Stops the progression and reduces nodules and symptoms in many cases. Do a search on my username for my story - I'm going to Germany for treatment in a few weeks.

Good luck and keep in touch!
Di

Edited 02/02/11 08:05

Yet another new meaning for "Talk to the Hand" LOL

@wilsongolf:

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Good morning

I also have duputyren's in both hands.
RE: What works
After a year of understanding and attempting to adapt to the nodules in both arches, both big toes unbending, flar-ups with planter fasc and metatarsal pain in left foot, prescribed orthodics and told to wear only saucony running shoes at all times, chiropractic appointments and painful walks,biking and yoga sessions, I have learned:
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Wear shoes at all times
Meditation
Yoga ( an osteopath is currently determining which poses are NOT doable i.e. downward dog)
Stretching
Don't over do it. Your body needs down time.
Have 2 pairs of running shoes on the go.
Don't try to determine the activity that resulted in your present pain. You will drive yourself wacky!
Breath and be 'present. When feeling stress, the fascia throughout my body contracts.
I also question the orthodics However when I didn't wear my shoes with the orthodics during yoga two weeks ago and experienced pain the next day ( left foot continues to be tender), it just reinforced the fact that at this stage I MUST wear them.

Yesterday, my yoga teacher recommended to show yourself 'compassion' when you are in pain. Treat it like you are sitting with a sick friend. Oh my! Others advise Keep moving!

marjorieb:

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Wilsongolf, Cyclist,

Fascia covers every muscle in your body. Anytime you have prepared raw meat, you have seen it. It's that translucent white membrane, under the skin. Looks just the same as that in the human body. Fascia responds to gentle pressure, not deep.
If you are really interested in checking into this, look into Myofascial Release. You can probably find a physical therapist near you who practices this. I used to do some of this with my hand therapy patients.
Some people think of this type treatment as quackery, some think it truly helps. I never actually fully made up my own mind. I did find that this was helpful for fibromyalgia patients, and one colleague could eliminate my migraines with myofascial release. It is just a 'subjective' sort of thing. If that makes sense? No negative effects, though. So, if you wanted to try it, there's no reason not to...except cost, if your insurance doesn't cover it.

Regards,
Beth