I developed a pea-sized nodule on the middle of the sole when I was 21 (I'm 48 now). It was not immediately diagnosed as DC, in fact not until it was surgically removed. I think they decided to operate because they didn't know what it was. In fact I had far more trouble with the scar tissue than I had previously had with the nodule. It finished about the size of half a peanut shell and took about 4 - 5 years to become fairly painfree. I did eventually get to run half-marathons, though! I have developed small nodules under a couple of toes in the last three years, which are sore if bumped, and cause occasional cramps.

I also had a sudden onset in the hands about 2.5 years ago, with 75 degree curvature in the left small finger, early signs in the right small finger, and along the outer length of my right index finger - described by my consultant as an unusual but known symptom. The consultant is reluctant to operate, as quick growth apparently tends to lead to quick post-operative regrowth.

The hands are consistently painful, and increasingly losing fine control, as evidenced by my hitting wrong keys and accidentally posting a blank message on this Board! Meantime I still play guitar, by using alternative tunings, but I may never get to become the new Dylan now!

I have been diagnosed with dupuytren's contracture in my feet, have had surgery but it was unsuccessful. If anyone knows of a surgeon in Ontario please forward or any remedies to help releave the pain.

I'm 39 years old now, I had my left hand operated on two years ago. My pinky and ring finger were 45 percent closed. The operation went okay, but it is returning rapidly and now my pinky is closing again. I was going to get my right hand done, but it really hasn't closed any further since the operation on the left hand and I don't want to chance it since I am right handed. I only have pain in either hand only once in a while. The scar on the left palm is really tight and also since the operation, the affected knuckles have doubled in size. I dread another operation on the same hand and will definitely hold up on my right hand as long as possible.
I also have nodules in the centers of both soles of my feet. I can feel the tendons riding next to them but they don't seem to be getting any worse and they only hurt when I step on something that directly hits the nodules. I still play volleyball, baseball and softball, but bowling has become out of the question since it rips the palm when releasing the ball. I can think of worse diseases to have, but this one definitely stinks. When I wash my face in the shower, my left pinky (because I forget its bent) sometimes almost rips my nose off. If you have any questions about the operation or results, just ask. Good luck to everyone.

I've had dupuytrens in both hands since 1996, not severe enough to need surgery or to limit my activities. However I've now had pain in R foot for 6 months, especially in heel, which prevents much walking and standing. Lots of pain in the mornings, especially on any day after more activity than usual the previous day. I have appointment to see doctor in ten days time. Has anyone out there had successful surgery to feet? I love walking and we like to travel (requiring plenty of walking). I'm a retired female aged 63, and am trying to get as much info as I can prior to making any decisions.

Margaret,
There is a group discussion for Ledderhose Disease at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ledderhose_disease/

Many from this group have have foot surgery. The general consensus is to not have foot surgery unless absolutely necessary. This is disputed by some,however. The problem with the discussion of Plantar Fibromatosis is that there are several different types, one of which is Ledderhose Disease which is the one related to Dupuytren's.
The foot surgery is much more complicated than the hand surgery and results are not nearly as promising. Choose surgeon very carefully. There are many horror stories about surgeons doing this foot surgery and not having enough experience. Recurrence seems to be a real problem with the foot surgery.
From my experience, preventative maintenance is extremely important. All of these things can be very detrimental: walking in sand barefooted, stairs/steps barefooted, sandals or slip-on shoes with ill fitting arches or stretching exercises for the arch.
Most Ledderhose disease affects the arch in the form of a nodule. Mine have gone down in size in the last 5 years, just from greater care (I believe). I don't notice the problem anymore.
Good luck,
Gary