Hi Mike Australia Calling. I have to tell you the bad news that the younger you are diagnosed the longer term prospect is generally not good. It is suggested that to have this disease at a young age is an indicator that the disease could be aggressive. Signs of knuckle pads are also a indicator. Keep an eye on any change to your feet particularly in the arch any signs of nodules consider low dose radiotherapy. The problem with surgery it can be the trigger for the next surgery with the time span getting shorter and shorter and the results dimish . This is one reason to consider NA and radiotherapy. I've had 15 hand surgeries and the in 07 radiotherapy on both hands and both feet. Regards.

Hi PhilipHa1.Austalia Calling.
I was diagnosed with Morbus Ledderhose in 2000 and was advised against Surgery . In 07 after a repeat surgery on my right hand I developed numerous nodules adjacent to the surgery. That is when I found the Dupuytren Society. Every person is different so it is difficult to predict what will happen to another sufferer. In my case I was diagnosed at 35 yr with Dupuytrens and had no surgery until 50 yrs of age. As I was going to Germany I decided to meet Prof. Seegenschmiedt as I was advised back then the Germany was the world leader in the treatment of Non Malignant Disorders using low dose radiotherapy and they were ahead of OZ by 15 years in this type of treatment. When I met Prof.Seegenschmiedt he raised suggestion of treating the Ledderhose in both feet. ( I thought it was only in my left arch.) At that point in time I was having to wear orthodics in both shoes. The treatment has been so successful that I no longer wear orthodics, the nodules in the left arch have dimished that I have difficulty to find them. The cords under normal circumstances cannot be felt. I had a large lump which developed in the ball of my right foot which did cause me problems in walking. That has soffened and I am rairly aware of it. I do wear the Birchenstock or Rohde type of slip in sandles which have a good innersole and a hold of the toes . I did notice whislt in Germany many of the nursing staff wore these sandles. I found Ecco lace up shoes with very good innersoles also are great. To put you at ease whilst in Germany that were treating a 12 yr old for Ledderhose with low dose radiotherapy. Hope this might answer some of your questions. Regards from Down Under.

I am a 25 year old female who was just diagnosed last week.... the whole thing is feeling a little overwhelming. in the last month i have gone from nothing wrong to a finger that is already contracting.... what should i be looking for in my feet... in case it is starting there too... i have an appointment with an OT and a surgeon next week and am going to acupuncture today in hopes of getting some pain relief. any other advice? i feel like i am having a lot of pain and in the morning my finger is much much more contracted. any advice`or ideas i get are welcome... feeling a little scared a stressed but trying to remain optimistic....

Kellyjo731, I totally agree with Luba. Explore all other treatment options before surgery. Take pictures of your hands, email them to one of the NA doctors listed in the left column of this page under Needle aponevrotomy (NA). I know some will respond for sure and probably any of the NA docs will communicate with you via email after seeing pictures of your hand. Email questions to them. Do you live near any of those listed in Needle aponevrotomy list?

Kelly Jo,

Since you are in Northern CA, I highly recommend that you consult with and/or visit Dr. Keith Denkler in Larkspur, just north of SF. He is one of the world's leading experts in this disease and one pf the most experienced practitioners of Needle Aponeurotmy (NA). I had NA done by Dr. Denkler in November of 2006 and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.