Hello,

I am a 51 year old Type 1 diabetic whose had diabetes for 41 years. Other than having dupuytren's I am quite healthy considering how long I've been a diabetic.

I had a palmar fasciectomy to correct the dupuytren's in my left hand on Jan 14/10. On Feb 2 I had a splint made and was given numerous exercises to do. I was told to wear the splint for 6 weeks at night only and to do physio 6 x/day for at least 6 weeks or more. I'm also doing deep massage. I went to my family Dr. yesterday and she was happy with the progress I'm making even though I can't make a fist yet.

The biggest problem I've encountered is swelling! Is it common to still have swelling after this length of time (almost 2 months since surgery)? What should I be doing to combat the swelling? Is this normal or am I just being too impatient?

Thanks in advance for your help,

LeonaS

Hi Callie,

Is a flexible Ace bandage the same as a tensor bandage? Is the idea to force my hand into a fist by wrapping the bandage tightly around it?

LeonaS

leonas,

I am specifically referring to a 3M Coban Self adherent wrap. I used the 1 inch wide. You make a wrap around as tight of a fist as you can make. Then use about 10 inches of the wrap and wrap your fist so that it puts just a little more pressure on the fist than you can make yourself. Do this several times during the day for about 5-10 minutes. Then flex hand straight a few times. It really made a difference for me. My hand is completely fine eight years after my surgery and zero signs of Dupuytren's.

This is the product description it comes in latex, or latex free if you have a problem with latex.

A self-adherent elastic wrap that functions like a tape, but sticks only to itself. Available in sterile and nonsterile styles, and in a variety of widths and colors to meet your application needs.


Coban self-adherent wrap is a laminate of nonwoven material and elastic fibers placed lengthwise to provide elasticity. The elastic wrap contains a cohesive material that makes it stick to itself but not to other materials or skin.