I have cords on both palms and nodules which seem to fluctuate in size and tenderness. Fortunately, no contracture at this time. Do others suffer with the cords only? Would NA be used on cords to straighten or flatten them? Should I be seeking this intervention now, before contractures develope? My HMO Drs. (GP and a hand surgeon) both say there is no treatment they can offer (Yes, I know I am fortunate that the surgeon didn't want to operate!)but I'm confused about the 'progression' of my DC. Can I just be plagued with the nodules and cords for years (have been formally disgnosed for 2 years) or will I suddenly be faced with severe contractures? I am a 56 year old woman who is active around my property. Should I not be working so much with my hands (saving them) or does use keep them flexible? Thanks to all for any information or thoughts and thanks for this forum.

Jane,

I too have cords and a nodule but no contracture. I first noticed my DD about a year ago, and since then it has grown slowly. I called Dr. Eaton's office and they said they won't attempt NA until contracture has reached about a 30 degree angle (the 'mouse test'). I did read that cortisone shots can soften cords & nodules; other than that I guess there's nothing to be done for us.

I'm not a doctor, but I've done some research, and the studies I've seen indicate that manual activity has no effect on the progression of Dupuytren's.

Yeah i got cord in left thumb which aperantly is a rare place to get it.. and i got a cord in my left pinki it is small but it is rapidly growing.

Have a contractular in right hand effecting pinki and ring finger..

have had it at least a year now.

im 19 now and not looking forward to another surgery.

Speak soon

Eddie

Jane:

I've had nodules and cords for about three decades now, but no contracture. The good news is that this is much easier to endure than it is for those who suffer from contractures. The bad news is, there really is no way to treat the nodules or cords. So, I don't complain about it, but I am very careful to avoid possible "triggers" which might aggrevate the situation.

Tom M

Broke wrist in 2 places in mid-July 2 days before an audition that I already had in the bag. I am a FEMALE professional musician - keys and guitar. I was coming back better than most from the break but once I was out of the cast BOOM post traumatic carpal tunnel syndrom and Dupuytren's Disease. I was officially diagnosed yesterday, but I figured it out about a month ago and have been searching for even a glimmer of hope ever since and things just keep getting grimmer as I go. In mid-Sept I noticed one tiny nodule under the middle finger between the two creases in my palm on my left hand, and tinier nodules that seemed to come and go on the middle joint of most of my fingers. Today that 1 tiny nodule has turned into a big and and painful nodule, I have 2 smaller nodules right next to it under ring finger, one that seems to change in size at the base of my thumb and, to my horror, a tiny one in palm under my pinky on my OTHER HAND! I am terrified this will go to my feet next and thank GOD I don't have a penis!! Can it jump like this. Is it common? Is it more aggressive in women? The doc that officially diagnosed me yesterday said he thought I had a very mild case of this. But when I asked him if he thought it was mild because he was just seeing it at the beginning stage before any contracture or because he had somehow made a diagnosis that my particular Dupuytren's was not that aggressive he couldn't answer me! Everyone I've talked to and everything I've read is basically this:There is no definitive cause, there is probably a genetic predisposition, it's usually triggered by some kind of hand trauma (in my case my broken wrist), and there's not a thing you can do about it until your hand starts to CLAW! I am ready to take a short dive off a very tall building. I feel like my life has ripped away from me - the thing I love most, my music - literally ripped from my hands! HELP!