Greetings,

I am a 44 yo female, 6 months post-op for carpal tunnel release surgery. In the last few weeks I have developed 4 nodules in the center of my palm (lifeline area) under my index, middle and ring fingers. Tonight I felt what I think might be a fifth nodule starting. The largest one is fairly tender when pressure is applied, as when gripping the steering wheel to make a turn. In addition to the tenderness, those three fingers feel very tight. I can't bend them back as far as one might to crack knuckles, but I don't detect any cords. My non-dominant, non surgical hand is not affected.

I returned to my hand surgeon this week. He said that the nodules may go away on their own as my hand continues to recover from the surgery. He also said the the carpal tunnel surgery may have triggered the onset of DC and that time will tell. I can't find much on this so I thought I would post some questions here.

1)First, has anyone had this resolve without treatment?

2)Second, the surgeon suggested heat, massage and stretching for now. Sound reasonable? Anything else I can do?

3) Third, given the fairly rapid onset, what would the timeline be for development of cords and measurable contracture?

4) Finally, is there any relation between this and autoimmune disease? I have some connective tissue issues that are fairly mild thus far and I am just curious if there is any sort of association.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Em

Edited 01/24/13 03:50

@Tusk--Thank you for the quick reply. He said the nodules are fascia/ in the fascia and that if it doesn't resolve, it will represent its own disease process, Dupuytren's Contracture. I am a bit worried about the rapid onset and also that it is affecting the middle three fingers, with the index finger the worst.

To the surgeon's credit, he didn't blow me off, his basic message was that it could go either way, stopping and reversing or becoming full blown DC. He said to give it three or four months and if it doesn't resolve or gets worse, to come back and we would talk treatment options. I am going to monitor carefully and investigate therapies like RT in the meantime. I want to do everything reasonable to ensure that this does not get out of hand (ha!). I am definitely not enthused about it progressing to the point of needing surgery.

Thanks again,

Em

Edited 01/24/13 04:35

The cycling glove is an awesome idea. I am going to do that for things like driving and sweeping.

I think I am going to ask around and see if I can find a second hand surgeon for a second opinion.

I hadn't even considered the insurance implications. I have Blue Cross. Thank you so much for the link to the document. That is incredibly helpful.

Thanks, Dottyhand. I hope the RT goes well for you. I hate that you have to pay out of pocket, but it sounds like this is a good option. I will look forward to your updates.