Dr. Eaton, Thank you for your dedicated and very specialized efforts in investigating, treating and searching for remedies for Dupuytren's disease. I am a professional pianist and visited you once many years ago in Jupiter, FL at the outset of my condition. Since then I have had two treatments of radiation in Germany under the care of Dr. M.H. Seegenschmiedt, whose work you must be familiar with. This treatment has enabled me to continue to play, teach and perform for the past 15 years without impediment. I am very grateful for your service to the Dupuytren community, the medical community and to all humanity. Your most informative and thorough presentation was presented with much skill, sincerity and empathy. Thank you again.
As a black woman who was diagnosed with dupuytrens at 37 this is very informative. My surgeon told me that it was exceptionally rare for me to have it. Praying that you all find a cure.
I just found Dupuytren's in my hand. I'm working hard to stretch each ligament OFTEN, and I think the vibrator is helping. It's a big one built for sore backs. Good luck I'm sorry you're suffering. I'm finding great relief being relentless. Stretching, massaging , vibrator and arthritis salve.
Excellent. Very thorough, but easily understood by non medically trained individuals. You are a great speaker and the visuals are creative and effective. Thank you!
@@antoinetteblum2000 where you in the early or advanced stages of Dupuytren when you where treated with acupuncture...? And how did it help, witn the pain or with disolving from the hard strings or did this not disapeare but did it stopped te growing the more worse stages...?
I am 26 yrs old and not of Nothern European decent but I am fully Southern European (Half Serbian, Half Maltese) and I got diagnosed with dupuytrens around last October. I got this condition after I have punched a wall and fractured my hamate bone and the 4/5 finger knuckles. As a resulf of trauma I got the Dupuytrens condition. As I noticed the lumps on my hand I went to visit a physiotherapist who referred me to do an ultrasound to confirm the condition. Since its in the early stages I am currently taking care by grip strenghtening, finger/hand palm stretching, dipping my hand in hot water with dead sea salt, overnight castor oil pack and vitamin E oil. Also I am reducing alcohol and cigarettes intake as I was drinking lots and lots of alcohol (which honestly I think flared this condition) hopefully if I keep it under control by doing the mentioned treatment I will not get any severe contractures. A weird condition but I guess I m paying for my anger management issues too. Never will punch a wall again.
Thank you for pulling this together. I've had a lump in my palm for a few years and thought nothing of it, however I started to get concerned when a Google search turned up Dupuytren disease. I'm still waiting to see a specialist for diagnosis but have a nodule and cord so it looks like I definitely have the condition. Clear level headed information like this helps me to view the situating pragmatically rather than in a state of panic, so I really appreciate it :-)
Just 4 weeks ago i had a Dupuytren operation. Thank you for the clear and informative presentation. I am 62 years old now, also suffering from Ledderhose disease. I have sent this educational video to my son (34 years old) and talked with him so that he is familiair with it.
I will sign up for the study! My left hand started showing signs in 2016 and has advanced. The nodules come and go. Now my little finger is bending in and hurts. When I stretch it into a straight position, I can feel my tendon all the way up my elbow to the back of my shoulder burn / ache. Seeing a hand specialist next week. Thank you for this in-depth lecture.
@@Vipr9 If I apply any pressure on my palm that causes pain, a new nodule appears. It doesn't hurt again unless pressure is applied. Sometimes they itch. It is difficult to vacuum, push a grocery cart, and I cannot open any jars. The hand surgeon said there is nothing they can do at this time. She also said the elbow / shoulder pain is not associated. I disagree. I am trying other things, currently I am using DMSO. It is said to soften scars. So far, no improvement.
@@krg9942 a weird disease. I got a lump thingy on my hand it does not hurt if i apply pressure to the lump but it sometimes hurts when i twist my hand dont know if its dupuytren or not
My father had this disease. It was tough to satisfactorily treat. He tried several of the treatments recommended here, but got little relief. Excellent presentation.
Thank you for clarifying my issue in a clear, factual way. And thank you for your commitment to Dupuytren. I will definitely check out your research study and support when I can.
Found this video very informative and well worth the time invested in watching. Thank you Dr Eaton. Looking forward to further updates as research evolves.
I thank you greatly for your excellent explanation. This past summer, I noticed a "bump" (nodule) in my a palm and when I saw my dermatologist, he told me it is Dupuytren. Since I am of Scots-Irish descent, I assume it is hereditary. So far, it is just a nodule, and I was greatly relieved that the 7/10 odds are that it will not advance. I plan to begin hand exercise. This video was extremely helpful. I wish you well in your research.
Thank you so much. My father had Dupuytrens severely in both hands. My older sister has it, I have it, and it’s progressing, and my son has it. This is the best information I ever read. Thanks again.
I've been looking everywhere for information on this since my nodule appeared a few months ago. This is the best resource I've found. But now I'm most concerned about the associated health risks- like cancer...
Clumsiness in picking up Mahjong tiles and dropping them. Also when preparing food in the kitchen. Clipping a dog lead on or releasing. Movements when holding a cleaning cloth are painful. Pressing large door entry buttons is painful. Opening jars and bottles difficult. Vibration from holding the steering handles of a mobility scooter on bumpy paths may worsen the condition. Use a foam absorption layer and thick gloves.
Thank you. I really enjoyed your video. I'm a 52yo male living in Australia. I noticed a small nodule in each of my palms under the ring finger, about 2years ago, due to small amount of pain. I type a lot, and also play guitar. In two years, I have only noticed a small depression forming immediately next to each nodule towards the fingers. So far, no bending, however the right ring finger does not stretch back to the same extend as other fingers by about 1-2°. Genetically, both my parents appear to have the disease. They re in the mid 70's. My mother has it more severe, with up to 20° bend in some her fingers. I have a mixed Latin heritage, with my father's family originally from North West Spain (Celtic ancestry?). I d love to be part of any study. Either with you or in Australia if you collaborate with anyone here. I believe both my sons, and one of my daughters may have strong biological markers. I think how our bodies deal with inflammation may hold more keys to understanding the disease, because I mirrored my parents autoimmune response to inflammation, and three of my children appear to do too. They are all under 24, so, it would be perfect to study a multi generational group with genetic predisposition to Dupuytrens disease. Let me know if we can help.
I was supposed to have a cyst removed from my palm and the doctor removed a nodule. It made my finger contract. So an injury is one way that can push the contracture quicker
Great presentation, Dr. Eaton. My thanks to you and the Dupuytren Research Group. I've been taking systemic proteolytic enzymes in hopes of slowing, arresting, or even reversing the condition. ("High Hopes," as our fellow sufferer Frank Sinatra sang.) The enzymes may help my cardiovascular system, too. Unfortunately, approximately 10 years after being diagnosed with Dupuytren's, I developed Peyronie's Disease. This condition has been more difficult with which to deal. Luckily, so far, my Dupuytren's has been fairly manageable. Best wishes to all.
Great video and hopefully one that can be shared/ presented across major medical groups (ortho, ortho/ hand, rheum, IM/PCP, advanced practitioners, etc) for continued disease awareness, education, and earlier treatment when appropriate. Thank you for all of your work focused on understanding this condition further and championing research in this area. Lastly, thank you for treating my Dad with NA years ago. His success and interactions with you have driven me to seek and go through two rounds of NA already, along with RT. Thanks for all you are doing to advance this area and future treatment options.
My mother got this disease and had two different surgeries, after which it continued progressing and became very restrictive. I have it in both hands and my brother has it as well. A non-inflammatory diet helps. I have also read about people using n-acetyl cysteine and evening prim rose oil to slow and even reverse some of the dupuytrens. Observed alternative treatments exist.
Outstanding video. I’m 21 and I noticed a nodule on my right palm a few months ago after doing extremely high volume weight lifting (max-weight deadlifts, bench, etc) all summer. Mild tenderness during/after workouts, but no restriction or bend. With no excessive smoking, drinking, or diabetes in my body, hoping it’s not a concern in the long run 🙏🏼
Update: since the original comment I’ve transitioned from weight training to mostly calisthenics and endurance work. Other than pull ups, nothing seems to be bothering the area, and it’s no longer tender. I forgot about it for the most part, no noticeable changes.
@@sergiochavezlazo5362 lifting is fun, but to be functionally fit for my job, calisthenics and good cardio are more important. Especially when being evaluated on those standards (push-ups, pull-ups, 1.5m run time, etc)
@@sergiochavezlazo5362 I plan to lift more in the future, the hand nodule isn’t at all the reason I stopped powerlifting lol. I just saw your comment, I’d keep doing what feels right and don’t let it stop you from enjoying weight lifting!
This was excellent information. I have what I now realize is the beginning symptom of the disease and your presentation has relieved my anxiety and made me feel more comfortable with what I'm facing in the future. Thank you.
Excellent video with good explanations. I have a better understanding of the current status of understanding of the disease now. Already signed up. My brother and I both have Dupreytron's disease. His is quite advanced and mine is still fairly mild though I am older than he is. First signs began early in adulthood. Other members of the family also probably had Dupuytren's but were not diagnosed: I think simple lack of awareness by their physicians. At least two of my children show signs of Dupuytren's. I suspect that my own disease is affected by any kind of inflammation in my body regardless of what and where it is. Once inflammatory process calms down, so does Dupuytren's until the next flare. This appears to fit with your hypotheses of the factors at play. What you are proposing - looking for biomarkers - sounds like an important first step in finding relief and perhaps a cure. I'm up for it.
I am 88 years old and have contractures in both hands. Have had surgery on both hands and injection on one finger. Both hands seem to just continue to grow tighter. About 2 weeks ago I heard about Dupuytrens Cream and massage. I have started doing so daily in the hope that it will relieve some of the tightness and discomfort. My 2 sons have beginning symptoms of the disease. I am aware of no family history of the disease. Thank you for the very informative talk about Dupuytrens. I am very glad to hear about the on going research!
I am in my 60's and have dupuytren's mostly in my left hand middle finger, but have nodules on both palms. I am a guitarist an even the slightest contracture and stiffness is a real problem. My contracture was really slight but as a musician it was a problem. I have had a xiaflex treatment in my left hand- to some success, but still having some issues playing. His description of trying to play a musical instrument and using muscles differently is spot on - it explains a lot. But there are some things I may never be able to do on the guitar
Not sure if I have this or not. My issue is that my THUMB will suddenly go stiff laying across the palm of my hand. I have to take the thumb and move it. I then shake my hand out then clinch and open the hand to 'loosen' it. Happens sometime when my hand gets really tired which is during a 3 hour orchestra rehearsal. I am a concert violinist. Really bad if this is Dupuytren and will end my orchestra career. I retired 10 months ago from a tech writing career. No issues there. I just had my 76 birthday (12.19.46) am in excellent health, no issues female of English/American Indian descent. This will be devastating and yet......there are many people much worse off, and they manage to enjoy life, so I will to. I appreciate this information and will use it.
I really hope you can find something that works so you can continue playing. Playing an instrument is so important to the soul. You are correct in that there are people worse off, but that does not make your health issues less important. Thankfully it is not a contest. From my experience, losing the ability to play something you enjoyed for so long, will likely feel devasting.
I am a 70 year old woman with my father and his father. Ledderhos left and right feet. I am massaging with peanut oil daily and taking atomodine iodine supplements. German Irish. PIP on right little finger. Thanks for your efforts. I am strong, active, no meds, and hoping for the best.
Excellent video. Thank you Dr. Eaton. I have recently started developing nodules and am far more informed after watching your presentation. Love the Kevin Bacon reference!
well doc. i got the lot. Almost all fingers and in finger joints. first one age 13. was a power lifter for years , worked with hands all my life. happy to help you with any study.
This is a great video with a lot of information I would have welcomed 8 years ago when I had frozen shoulder, and then D.C. But we learn when we add things up. I am 70, and 15 years ago I learned I was hyper thyroid. Going way back I got tinnitus at a Rock concert age 27. Several years ago my old high school sweetheart from when I was 15 found my on .Facebook. She asked me if I still had that tremor I had back then. "When tremor?" I replied. Lately I have been reading about Inflammation. Just last week I read that dairy products have iodine in them, (from sanitizing the equipment.) Iodine is a poison for people that have a hyper thyroid. Way I reckon it, I will know everything before long. Good thing I love oat milk and hummus.
I have the beginning of this. During COVID I decided to take up American Sign Language (which I had studied before. The lack of mobility with my ring finger really is obvious when doing the number 8 which is signed by touching your middle finger to your thumb (like the OK sign but with middle finger instead). I previously discussed this with a family friend who is a hand surgeon and he said that until its completely contracted I shouldn't bother pursuing any treatment. HMMM, interesting note on the frozen shoulder link. I have struggled with that for years as well.
I just wanted to tell you of a good thing concerning my having Dupuytrens disease. I can now do Mr Spock’s “live long and prosper” hand sign on each hand at the same time without actually trying. Never could before.
Nice Presentation. As a patient who has gone through 4 hand operations (guess I'm stuck in that Collagen phase of recovery) and might be getting ready for operation #5. I certainly hope there is a real cure or even a real (not scam) treatment other than 4 hour operations and 8 week "recoveries". If I can offer any data or evidence for research, I'd be happy to help. Thanks for caring. I know it's not one of the "Big scare" diseases, but if your hands are your livelyhood, it matters a lot.
Very informative! Just diagnosed in my left pinky finger & referred to another Dr. to determine if his needle surgery approach or the enzyme injection could work for me. Thanks!
@@sherriemassad4095 Tried the enzyme approach & I got about 55-60% improvement. I didn't continue, as I got busy, & as long as I could use gloves again, haven't been too inconvenienced. I may pursue further medical intervention when I have an opportunity. I believe in taking the least invasive approach before considering other methods where nerve endings might be affected.
Thanks so much for replying! I have just recently been diagnosed and my holistic practitioner recommends Standard Process Phosfood, 10 drops in water 2x day, 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Phosfood reviews on Amazon are good. Thanks again.
I’ve had dupuyren’s knots in my hands for several years but this winter my left ring finger began to burn. I was also dropping stuff with my left hands. I started waking up with the contracture to my left ring finger a pinky. I see a hand surgeon in 2 weeks
thankyou as a hairdresser with auto immune Dupuytrens I DEVELOPED trigger finger in ring finger and also a cyst in my pointer finger,,, Rhemotoid arthritis runs in my family.....on to foot Dr for plantar facia I hope ,
I believe lifting weights lead to my Dupuytren's activating, and cutting back on the heavy use of my hands has caused a slight reversal of my symptoms.
@@romulus125 I have cords affecting my left thumb and little finger. Nodules on both hands. Starting to get nodules on my feet also. I had my left hand radiated because it affected my left thumb and I saw changes daily. Since then it has progressed much slower. The nodules are not the same daily in that they increase and decrease over time. Still do not lift weights.
Hi james, I have duputrens but it is has got worse really bad in my non effexted hand and I am wondering using dumbbells has made my left hand break out. I am wondering do you still lift weights now and how do you do it?
@@davidchandler6885 Hi David. For a long time I stopped doing any weight lifting. When I exercise I use gloves that give pading for my palms. I avoid weights on a bar were I must grip, like dumbells. I wear ankle and wrist weights and carry heavy items with my arms more than my hands. When possible I carry/lift heavy items with an open palm instead of using a grip. I have a resistant band call x factor that can get up to 110lb. However I am very careful not to stress my hands while exercising. Sometime you have to do work and cannot avoid stressing the palms and I can feel when I did so I adjust what I do.
This is a bit of a weird theory and possibly just coincidental, but I mention it here. I noticed my first Dupuytren's symptoms a year or so after my local NHL team went on a long playoff run. I had season tickets that year and pre-game and during games clapped my hands aggressively for long periods of time (to encourage the team lol). I remember leaving games with sore or very sore hands every time. I often wonder if this "trauma" trigger or advanced my Dupuytren's.
Did you ever use talcum powder? I suspect there may be an epidemiologal link to pulverised rock and dust exposure to tissues, similar to silicosis. My dad has worked as a field geologist for decades and he has had this condition develop fairly rapidly over the last 5 years
Most definitely related. Any trauma be it over time from heavy lifting or whether you are only noticing it because of an unusual repetitive activity such as prolonged clapping, it is all relative in my opinion.
I'm baffled by this I literally woke up the other day with Dupuytren's contracture symptoms two nodules. I have had no symptoms before and with us all washing our hands more than ever and using antibacterial because of covid I didn't feel any build-up of these two nodules which I find very strange!
Smiling! Had 5 fingers done with surgery. Two by Dr. Charles Orth in Kansas city, 3 by an Orthopedic, sports guy who said he new how and had done them before. The ones by Dr. Orth were little finger right hand and ring finger left. Super job, scars across my finger joints, smooth and flat, no problems. Orthopedic Doctor did the index and little finger on my left hand and although fingers are straight the scars across the joints not as smooth and hurt when i grip something real tight. He also did the a few years later index finger on my right hand and pretty much botched it, it came back within months and is as bad if not worse then before about 45 degrees. the scar for that finger is only about 2 inches long, Now he also was reattaching my bicep muscle and doing a rotor cuff at the same time. May have been to much for one time. No one other than me in my family has an issue with this that I know of, my first, little finger was about 39 years old and is still great now at 71.
Like Lea Gentile below, I also had Radiation Treatment for early stage Dupuytren over 10 years ago, and it has been been extremely satisfactory. No progression, in fact it has regressed somewhat. I wish more doctors promoted RT but I'm not surprised that they don't, since it's not really a 'medical' treatment....it largely avoids needing to have injections of drugs...or even worse, hugely debilitating repeated hand surgeries.
@@111mateo I came to doctor and he proposed to make a surgery and I agreed. It's 6 month after surgery and now my palm feels better then before but still not ideal. Maybe it need more time recover
I've been using pot to slow the progress. I microdose(20mg) an edible twice a day to keep things from hardening up, and I also Use a cbd/thc pain cream that works great on that deep itch in in the palms.
This is extremely informative. It has been three years since the publication of the video. Have there been any advances? Thank you very much Dr. Eaton! I have Dupytren's in my right hand. From what you said I am wondering if the process got started from a trauma to my index finger. I had been dealing with severe depression when the bent pinky came about. I have had one Xiaflex injection and am about to have another two years after the initial treatment.
Interesting. I have chronic sarcoidosis. I am half Korean plus 25% black, plus 25% northern European (paternal grandfather was half black, half European). I believe I have a Dupuytren nodule. I noticed that sarcoidosis was on your chart.
I'm a professional pianist and I realize my 4th finger is pulled towards the palm a couple years ago. I do not have the "lump" or "cord" developed in my palm, but I do feel the "string" pulling my 4th finger down. Does it mean it's not Dupuytren's disease?
I got this and know of no one in the family that has had it, except my cousin on the Italian side. I am a female, never smoked, barely drink, and am a female with it in the arches of feet too. I just had trigger finger x 2, Dupuytrens and carpal tunnel surgery in right hand. I am of Irish/Italian descent.
I had radiation almost a year ago. My pinkies have started in last 3 months to contract at PIP (30 egress) even though treated.After watching this, I realize my Dup is more severe as I have a nodule in 1 foot (also radiated). I think foot nodule responded better. No family history. Dup started 2 years ago. After listening to this I’m wondering about my thyroid as I have Hashimoto’s with no symptoms. Now, after watching video, I’m wondering if the first symptom is Dupuytrens.
I would be interested in participating in some sort of research for you. My mom had to return contractor and I have pictures of the conditions of both of her hands she had surgery one time and it came back again. Now I have to return contracture and I am trying to do some counter stretching I have a contraption that I bought that I put on that pulls my fingers backwards to stretch and I'm hoping that that will counter the pulling that goes in the opposite direction. I prefer not to have injections and surgery so hopefully this will help I'm still able to put my whole Palm down on the table but I can definitely feel the pulling and I can see the nodules on my hand
Hello, Dr. Eaton. Hello and good evening. I've been suffering from Dupuytren's disease for the past year; could you kindly recommend a doctor in Bangalore, India? Thank you.
Heard that dupuytren is somehow linked to fatty liver disease. Found that interesting. Maybe someone should look at what would happen if the liver problem was addressed first to see if it improved dupuytren.
There seems to be a school of thought that the genetic defect lies in the skin which over zealously signals the facia bellow to produce colegen. A dermofaciectemy that incorporates a stem cell originated Petri dish grown graft such as is found in appligraff does not have the resident defect. I recently underwent just such a surgery on my left hand. My surgeon claims that reoccurrence below the cite of the graft is virtually nill. I have not done any research to verify this claim but the surgeon seems to have a highly respected position among her peers. My thoughts are that should this in fact be the case and the coding for this defect found it will be one more opportunity for the CRIPER cas9 type delivery system and a permanent cure.
I had surgery on my left hand 12 years ago and it hasnt hasn't had a reoccurence yet (although Dupuytren's has developed in my other hand). At one point during the surgery a student resident took over and I remember the surgeon looking over the student's work over and saying he had missed a small part of the diseased fascia. The surgeon went back to remove this last part and said to the student that if you don't get 100% of the diseased tissue you will for sure get a reoccurrence.
I got this. Started to notice callous like formations ie nodules mid forties. I believe it was due to carrying a heavy bag around for work. i didnt have my own office and I had to visit multiple offices each day. Also genetic and alcohol possibilities but Im pretty sure it was the heavy bag. The handle on the bag is all worn out. I can imagine what it did to my hand. After 5-6 years my pinky finger is contracted. And ring finger is affected but not as bad for now.
I can't wear my rings, or touch-type or play the piano properly because of lumps and contracture in my ring fingers. I brought it on myself, wearing rings and pulling wheelie bags on long summer vacations from 2002. First I got lumps at the base of both ring fingers, palm side. Then the contracture started, slowly. It's worse in my right hand, at the PIP, and I can't do high fives or shake hands. I did have one needle procedure on that finger, but the contracture is worse now. My left ring finger doesn't seem to be getting worse. I'm such a wimp about operations, I don't want another. I'm now 70, and expect to live into my 90s at least. Can I do anything to reduce the contracture, or at least stop its progression?
Received three Xiaflex injection shots three days ago at our local VA hospital. Went back yesterday and the Dr. Could not break the cord by bending my fingers... His advise was to come back in three weeks and get three more injection shots. Then, if the cord won't break surgery should follow... As you know surgery is not guaranteed and could worsen this condition. Everyone's condition and response is different. There seems to be alot of "don't know"... Well if the Doctors Don't then I don't know. I may just live with it...
When Dupuytren bends the PIP joints (the ones you would knock on a door with), when the bend is more than 40 - 60 degrees, the joints themselves can develop changes in addition to the cord. If that happens, the shot might not work, but there are still options. You might have to doctor shop for a board certified hand surgery specialist who has experience with the Digit Widget or similar device.
I have the nodules and local sensitivity but haven't progressed further yet. Moderately annoying that there is no early treatment or ability to reduce the progression of the condition.
At the 21:39 mark there I am: Heavy hand use. As I type this (no problems) I am looking at my clock to get ready for the orchestra rehearsal tonight. From 7:30 to 10 I'll be playing my violin. So much for redocking heavy hand use. Maybe as I'm walking to the car after my thumb will be cramped up; straightening across my palm. Maybe not. It's iffy. I will have to grab the thumb to unlock it.
No mention of radiation treatment?! Surgeons like to cut. It is what they know. If you need to keep the dexterity in your hands the sugery will not help. The enzymes are terribly expensive and have to be repeated. Also they can be risky as well. Look into radiation and you will see another option that may save your hand’s dexterity.
So far I am 3 out of 3 for reversing duputreyns contracture. It takes some time but I have been able to reverse it bu using a very specific trigger point tool. Hard to explain here but you dont need surgery.
@@IceESole No video. I rarely come across this syndrome in my clinic. Actually all the patients were coming to see me for neck pain and back pain, once that was fixed I began to treat their dupuytren's contracture. I experimented with a few different ways and tools and finally came across something that worked. I can't be sure this will work on everyone but 3/3 is not bad.
