Hi all!

A couple of months ago I noticed a small, sore, red lump on palm below little and ring fingers. Didn't think much of it, but it seems to have progressed quite quickly. The lump has increased in size, and actually seems to be made up of two lumps, which I'm assuming are nodules. It's no longer red, but still a little sore if pressed. See the attached photo.

My grandfather had it pretty bad (started at 50) and my dad has just started showing signs of it (aged 60). Pretty big bummer to have it set in so early. Everything I've read online so far seems to point towards the conclusion that getting it this early is very bad news!

I live in China and have been to the hospital, but hospital staff over here tend to be pretty poorly trained and they don't have any incidences of DC. So the doctors hadn't a clue what it was. In fact they were positively intrigued!

Last September I broke my forearm and was in a cast for 6 weeks, and had my ring finger broken 3 years ago. I lift weights regularly (when things aren't broken), all barbell stuff - bench press, deadlifts, etc. Wondering if these factors plus my genetics led to the early onset.

Despite that fact, I would like to continue lifting for as long as I can. The consensus online seems to be to wear padded gloves and still go for it. However I'd appreciate some feedback from what looks to be an excellent community here!

One thing I've noticed is what seems to be a lack of clarity on this disease. Much of the advice is based on anecdotal evidence, hearsay and doctor's advice. And I'm generally quite skeptical of doctors and the medical profession in general when it comes to prevention rather than cure - that's a debate for another time though!

Many people are saying to avoid hard work with your hands (and lifting) if you can. There are also a number of discussions on weightlifting forums from people where DC has set in but they've decided to continue lifting. But there are no discussions on the results. No "before and after". Did these people power on with their sport and realise it was a bad idea and stop? Or were they able to continue normally? If lifting did make their hand worse, how does it accelerate the process compared to the average? Is there even an average? Could their DC have even progressed more slowly thanks to the activity?

My impression is that regardless of what you're doing in your daily life, you can expect DC to cause some pretty bad hand deformity.

If there's anyone out there that has had DC from a young age, and continued to lift and lift heavy (or other similar activities, e.g. climbing) it would be awesome to hear about your experiences. Likewise any feedback on the above would be massively appreciated!

I don't think there are hard and fast answers to your questions, as everyone has different experiences of DD and how it affects them. Some consensus but also some exceptions.

I have first hand experience of mishandling tools, for gardening and plumbing, without gloves that appeared to set off a new round of DD in my hands. Even so I continue with most activities, including tennis, but now wear gloves when I can or remember, or find ways to protect the hands. In the opposite way, whilst taking a break from tennis for several months, I developed a finger nodule, and was unaware it until I resumed playing. However it cleared itself and I formed the opinion it was the rubbing or pressure of the racquet handle that cleared it, so who really knows.

Possibly if you had no problems before the arm and finger injuries, you will have no further new onset, or progression now or for a while; or maybe not. But I would explore ways of alleviating direct friction and pressure and continue with your activities. You will know what works and what doesn't for you.

Big thanks for the responses guys, these were really helpful in coming to terms with contracting the disease. Being able to share this with other people in a similar position is pretty powerful!

Since posting I've continued lifting and while the lump has grown, I haven't lost any mobility in the hand. For any lifts that put excess pressure on the palm (e.g. bench press and should press) I now wear padded lifting gloves to avoid pain / accelerating progression.

Sorry too for the late response, it's been a busy year and have been putting this off for far too long. Based on reports here I'm very interested in exploring radiotherapy. Having contracted DC so young I'm keen to try any options that will extend the use of my hand! Already started looking into whether my international health insurance covers this treatment.

Also a couple of pictures of how GYM worn hands can look like after 40 years of DD (62 year old hands)

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Hello. Any updates in this case? I just received my diagnose and I am very scared of loosing what I love (powerlifting). My problem started after a finger injury not related to my sport (an accident)