I've been lurking for a while but was inspired by jim's poetic reply to the concerned knitter.

I'm 33 and was recently diagnosed following a growing knuckle pad that started in Jan of last year. I live in the UK and my GP initially told me it was a ganglion. My gut told me it wasn't, especially since I also have nodules on the soles of my feet as does my mother, whose DC started only ten years ago. I am obviously concerned about the early onset and have been researching the condition like crazy.

I also began rowing a few months after the knuckle pad first appeared, so I know the DC is not due to it. However I'm sure the rowing hasn't helped, and it looks like I may have to give up. The LD showed up while I was training for a marathon. Again, I'm certain these activities merely triggered the progression of DC rather than caused it.

I saw a hand surgeon a month ago who suggested surgery, of course. My knuckle is quite inflammed and the finger is stiff, making it uncomfortable for me to type. From what I've read it seems that knuckle pads are quite rare, so I'd be interested to hear if any of you started out with them. At present I only feel a funny strain in the palm of my hand, though this could be due to the rowing.

Since reading about the musician who had success with acupuncture, I've made an appointment for my first session next week. I'll report back. I've also made a note about Dr Goode's secretary in Poole and will talk to my GP about going down this route, although my mother is yet to be convinced.

Many thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. It was comforting to find you all.

no pixi you,r not alone. I have knuckle pads two. They leave my fingers a little stiff and tender if I bang them but so Far I haven't done anything about it. It's not bad enough to consider steroid injections and I think that's my only option right now.

Colleen

Thanks, Colleen. I can't imagine the discomfort in banging them. Mine make it uncomfortable to just type.
I noticed in another post that you've had radiation. Did this to anything to your pads?

pixi, I have knuckle pads on every finger. It does seem like when they first develop, there's some soreness and stiffness - this has been called the "inflammatory phase". But that goes away in time, and mine have actually been slowly shrinking for several years. They cause me no problems at all.

No your not doomed to get them on every knuckle. I have two and they have been stable for 2-3 years.