My understanding and experience is that NA can be very effective when in the hands of an exceptionally skilled practitioner even when the contracture is advanced. In my case (maybe I was just lucky) a 95 degree contracture in a small finger PIP was reduced initially to 20-25 degrees and even more wonderously after several years of concerted splinting became flat. It has remained flat now (knock on wood) for many years. Of course I now have some smaller contractures in fingers on the other hand.

Update

First of all thanks to all of you for the tips and support ☺️
Last Monday I’ve seen the radiologist, very nice person 💗 but she suggested to see a hand surgeon if I can find one, before doing the radiation . Mostly to have a second opinion because, only radiations will not resolve completely the finger bent I have.
Now I’m looking to find someone and maybe, thanks to my family doctor, we found one but I’m waiting to hear an answer for “when” it will happen.

I have two questions for the ones among you who had the radiation
Can you use your hand during the cycle of 5 days? I mean: driving, walking the dog etc
Second: does it hurt?

I had a list of questions for the doctor, but those weren’t there yet…and now I’m thinking if I need my husband to come with me and the normal day routine after the radiation , like using the hand washing etc..

The doctor told me I could feel tired.

Thanks !

spanishbuddha:

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You can use your hands in the week after RT for most things, but no rough handling. Driving is fine, DIY, hard housework probably not. Use gloves if concerned. I would worry about walking a large dog with a leash, although it might be ok, but perhaps use a waist leash. I played tennis the second week after. There should be no pain, maybe some tanning will develop, use a high urea cream overnight or whatever is recommended as dry skin can develop. Hopefully your radiologist will give you a list of things to expect and do; for most people it's a non-event, but some feel tired and some get more severe short time side effects.

Update: today I finally saw a hand surgeon who told me he can do a needle aponeurotomy in 2 or 3 months..waiting list.
He doesn’t recommend radiation after neither a splinter, i just should work to keep my hand flat. Didn’t explain too well why.

The radiologist instead told me to do radiation not only to the right hand but to the left as well, where I have 2 nodules but the hand is super flat.

Not sure what should I do.
Any thoughts?

Thanks

P.s. the surgeon told me he will break the cord under local anaesthetic and steroids.

Edited 05/15/2025 23:22

I am the beneficiary of a very successful NA process on the small finger PIP 90 degree contraction. 1. To the extent possible, ensure that the doctor is really good at it as NA seems to be as much an art as a science. 2. Prior to inserting the needle, I was given maybe 8-12 numbing injections that began as a bee sting level of pain and increased up to the last one (very very painful). However, during the actual NA procedure there was no pain at all and I could feel/hear cords snapping. No significant pain post-procedure. The doctor suggested I find a hand specialist PT which I did and went a few times/week for as long as insurance permitted - maybe 8-12 weeks or so. That seemed to help. I wore a custom splint made by the PT all the time for a few months (PT made several as the old one(s) wore out) followed by wearing it at night 7 days/week for a year or so, then 5 days/week for a year or so and finally gradually discontinuing.

Somehow (very fortunate) it all worked.