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Forum for Dupuytren's and Ledderhose 
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  • Splint adjustment just not working - Pain
    • Splint adjustment just not working - Pain
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    09/07/2021 20:01
    njbecky 
    09/07/2021 20:01
    njbecky      		Splint adjustment just not working - Pain

    Newbie here (fascinating reading previous posts),

    60 yr. old female, officially diagnosed about a month ago, middle-ring-pinkie on R hand. Small cord on pinkie, nodules on palm (2), contracture is 15-30% on various fingers. Pain off and on, sometimes throbbing, always when trying to extend or flatten fingers.

    Hand surgeon who treated my carpal tunnel says that since I don't have pronounced cords (yet), options are splinting at night to slow DD down, or exploratory surgery to go in and clean out whatever's in there. I opted for the splint.

    Today was the 3rd visit in a week to OT to have the splint adjusted. I can wear it about 5 minutes before I start to feel an ache near the nodules, then 10 minutes in, severe pain and I take it off. No way I could sleep with this on! Therapist has been very thoughtful in trying to get this just right, but after third attempt, I still can't wear it. My guess is she is bending my fingers back too far, but that has been adjusted for too.

    Has anyone else had this issue with pain and splinting?

    Frustrated in Ohio.....
    09/07/2021 20:59
    Stefan_K. 
    09/07/2021 20:59
    Stefan_K. 

    		Re: Splint adjustment just not working - Pain

    Hello njbecky.

    First, it is laudable that your surgion is trying alternatives before performing open surgery that comes with pain and the risk of spreading the desease to more fingers.

    But there are other options, notably NA needle release, to set fingers straight, and other types of splints which you may tolerate better. I had the needle release done on the pinky of my right hand 7 years ago, and then, when unfortunately it started to contract again, radiotherapy to stop progression of this finger and the earlier stages of others. I have kept wearing a self-made elastic splint glove for six years to keep that pinky prom bending at night and I am quite sure that that has helped prevent contraction from returning. You may want to try that route rather than put too much strain on your fingers with a too stiff splint on too many fingers bent too far.

    Good luck,

    Stef

    [59, Dupuytren diagnosis 2006, RH contracture and PNF/NA 2014, radiotherapy RH 2015, LH 2017 & 2018, night splint glove RH since 2015]
    09/08/2021 08:48
    njbecky 
    09/08/2021 08:48
    njbecky      		Re: Splint adjustment just not working - Pain

    Thanks Stef. He did not offer other solutions besides splinting and surgery. I have also seen my primary physician about all of this and she recommended an out of network hand specialist for a second opinion. I'm seeing a rheumatologist first tho, because of the onset of the DD, joint pain, carpal tunnel, shoulder surgery, and a rash that all started about 1.5 years ago. Ruling out (or in) a bigger underlying issue first before proceeding with the second opinion for DD.

    I don't think that the OT fully understands the pain that the splint causes, but I am educating her! She has a few options and styles for fitting me with it, so I'll try to be patient for now. I go back tomorrow for the 4th time.
    10/16/2021 19:04
    tomceunen 
    10/16/2021 19:04
    tomceunen      		Re: Splint adjustment just not working - Pain

    njbecky:

    Has anyone else had this issue with pain and splinting?

    Frustrated in Ohio.....

    Like many others I made my own splint. Cheapest gloves from Home Depot and some aluminum.
    It's not a great science, just prevent the piece of your finger or hand that has the issue to bent.
    I'm spending no dime on medics for this and I'm having it under control for years, maybe I'm just lucky?

    If there is interest I can show a picture of my DIY gloves.

    Edited 10/16/21 22:05
    10/17/2021 09:58
    njbecky 
    10/17/2021 09:58
    njbecky      		Re: Splint adjustment just not working - Pain

    Good news....after several attempts to adjust the splint, we started over from scratch and eventually allowed more bend of my last three fingers. I can wear it all night w/o any pain. It seems to help and I think my overall pain level has decreased. Contracture is not any worse, but not better, just trying to slow down the contracture.
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