I've already found a home here on the site even though I don't have a firm diagnosis. My GP thought I had a protruding tendon, a chiropractor was clueless just said to burn sage, and my first Orthopedic hand surgeon said, it could be Dups. A second opinion hand specialist said he doesn't think it's Dups but had no other answer as to what's causing my symptoms. [list]
I have: 1. A tendon-like" cord popping up beneath my PIP joint on the index finger that also seems to disappear and then reappear in the palm running into my palm crease. 2. On the other hand I have two pits in my palm creases
I know no one wants to say yes or no given my ambiguous description, I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any reason why I would have pits and a thin cord.
I guess to restate it--are dents in the palm crease and a string like cord in finger unique to the Dupe alone? Obviously, readers are experts of their own hands/feet and maybe not equipped to answer this but just wondering. My last doc ordered a CBC to try and figure out what's up. I should find out results tomorrow. But, as I said, pretty much already resigned to thinking its Dupes. In the grand scheme of things it's a far better diagnosis to get than many possible outcomes!!! :)
A tendon like cord that's comes and goes doesn't sound like DD. Pits and firm nodules do. A tendon will bowstring from a pulley injury, but a hand doctor should be able to differentiate between a tendons under tension and a cord. Inflammation of tendon sheath from overuse may lead to swelling. Diagnosis via the Internet is not really the way to go, seek a second opinion from a hand doc who does hundreds of NA, Xiaflex and surgical procedures for DD.
How true ... not too long ago a hand surgeon told me I do in fact have early dups in my palm ....got another opinion ...was told it was just a vein ..as I am thin and not much fat ....second opinion saved me from going to radiation ...
spanishbuddha:A tendon like cord that's comes and goes doesn't sound like DD. Pits and firm nodules do. A tendon will bowstring from a pulley injury, but a hand doctor should be able to differentiate between a tendons under tension and a cord. Inflammation of tendon sheath from overuse may lead to swelling. Diagnosis via the Internet is not really the way to go, seek a second opinion from a hand doc who does hundreds of NA, Xiaflex and surgical procedures for DD.
Thanks for the input folks. I promise I'll stop fishing for your thoughts/online diagnosis but I think maybe I can give you a better idea on what I was explaining by attempting to post some pics here. The DD specialist said he sees about 1 patient a week for NA surgery (he's 1 of 2 in MN who does it) and told me he that he didn't think the pits (bottom picture) I pointed out are DD pits as they are usually not located in the creases--"not typical" of Dups.
The doctor also didn't believe I had an early DD cord either (see top photo). I would be ok with his dx only If he had an alternative explanation as to what the pits and cords are attributed to.
I know there are probably a few long time contributers on the board who have probably seen a lot of new forum users who are desperate for answers and want a diagnosis...Perhaps you're tired of seeing them--and I know the best option is to get a pro consult(s). I have but feel not every case is the same and therefore many early signs are dismissed even by the professionals. Maybe I should see a rheumatologist? Anyways Thank you in advance for reading this and if you have any further insight, I'm all ears, er, eyes.
I can't really derive more from the photos. What's missing, and I think was mentioned by Wolfgang in another thread, is what does it feel like when palpated. I know your quest continues but unless or until it interferes with activities, and changes (for the worse) I would try and move on, unless you happen across someone with enough knowledge to give that second opinion.
Wish my hands looked as good as that I mentioned I play piano and every morning am worried I can't reach an octave or arpeggio inside. So far so good.
Minnedolin; Right now you have a non problem. Let me give you a reference photograph.
This hand has had DD for 35 years. Currently my thumb won't open from my index finger enough for me to hold many things in a conventional way but that doesn't get in my way. Right now the little finger is permanently bent bent but that's OK and the other 3 fingers are straightish but I think it is pretty good. Then again that hand has had one surgery and NA 6 times.
My view is that you should relax and wait until your hands start causing you a problem. You are a long way from needing treatment of any kind.
Seph--no reason to apologize, bluntness is warranted for cases like mine. I think the anxieties about it far outweigh the seriousness of the situation. And what really is there to be anxious about? The unknowns and whatiffs plague us (me anyways) more than the presenting problem itself. Some mindfulness, prayer, stretching and exercise is long overdue. Spanishbuddha--I think that is the greatest struggle; worrying about what I may have to give up. I have two little ones and I wonder if my hands will be able to play catch with the kiddos someday. I wonder if I'll have to give up the instruments I've loved for so long. I wonder all this and more and I spin my wheels with worry
I have been invited to go and play some music tonight and I got up, ran through some scales on the mandolin and picked some guitar for the kids. Palm is a bit tender but I think I'll muscle through. If only I had some relaxers or a "Colorado cookie" just kidding. Thanks for the insight and perspective. You guys are appreciated
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I mentioned I play piano and every morning am worried I can't reach an octave or arpeggio inside. So far so good.
just kidding. Thanks for the insight and perspective. You guys are appreciated