Hi, all. 65-year-old male, diagnosed several years ago with Dupuytren's nodules in both hands. Up until now they have been basically asymptomatic, apart from some pain/itchiness in a nodule a couple of times that accompanied unrelated hand/wrist problems.

I think my luck has run out, though, because I've now got a mild contracture in my right ring finger that is preventing me from flattening it entirely. First signs of stiffness were two or three weeks ago. Simultaneously I'm dealing with a diagnosed trigger finger in the adjacent little finger, for which I had a cortisone injection ten days ago that hasn't helped a bit so far. (At the time I had the injection, the contracture wasn't bad enough for me to mention it to the doctor.) I can't be 100% sure that the contracture is from Dupuytren's and not something else but there is a palmar nodule below the finger. (And a brand new asympomatic nodule on my other hand as a bonus.)

I just scheduled an appointment with the hand ortho for the earliest available date, three weeks from now. That seems a bit like forever, my main worry being that the contracture might continue to progress rapidly. I'm aware that DC is highly variable in its progression so the main thing I'd like informed input on is whether a new Dupuytren's functional limitation is capable of getting a lot worse in a 3-week span, as that might dictate whether I try to get an appointment with a different practice for a diagnosis ASAP.

I live in a city that has a radiologist who treats Duypetren's and that would likely be my preferred first approach, depending of course on advice from the doctors.

I did take a look at the "]To Treat or Not to Treat" post, which seems to counsel patience:

https://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_...1559373063.html

Edited 11/16/20 16:29

Pedro (of Basque origin)

Hi 65-year-old male. Your situation sounds very similar to mine. Here I share: I am 75 now. Started at my RIGHT HAND pinky with an insignificant swelling on the first phalange; can't remember if nodules were there, but I would say most likely yes. My orthopedic doctor missed it; I had started working with weights then (and have continued ever since). Now, 10-years later: pinky with DP contracture at 1st and 2nd joints (45 degrees bends). Some nodules on my right hand but no other contractures. LEFT HAND has nodule on palm and DP in middle finger at about 40 degree angle, no other contractures. DP doctor recommends needle aponeurotomy for the middle finger; haven't done it yet. I still work with weights, play tennis, practice my golf swing now and then, and type on my PC with all my fingers. Never had any type or surgery. I am sort of retired, since last year, living with what I got. I am of hispanic origen, Basque ancestors (that's where the genes came from I'm sure). All the best. Peet