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Dupuytren's Contracture - Can't straighten finger(s)

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Created by lwalker > 9 months ago, 5 Oct 2022
lwalker
69 posts
5 Oct 2022 12:55AM
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Anyone else here have this? (See links below for more info. )
It sounds like there's inconclusive info on if activities like windsurfing are a risk factor. Genetics, sex and age seems to be the primary risk factors along with tobacco, alcohol and diabetes. But, then, I've seen reports of things like increased occurance in the rock climbing community. Just wondering if it's a thing among the crowd here.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dupuytrens-contracture/symptoms-causes/
www.dupuytren-online.info/dupuytrens_contracture.html

John340
QLD, 3365 posts
5 Oct 2022 6:23AM
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I have them in my hands and feet. My surgeon does not believe they are a result of my windsurfing.

Shifu
QLD, 1992 posts
5 Oct 2022 9:50AM
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I have it in both hands. It's only a problem when you can't spread your hand out flat on a table. Mt Dr told me there is a procedure where they inject a collagen solvent into the cords which allows them to be broken up. Resets your hand. I will do that when the time comes. It's genetic and not windsurfing related. Many people have it who have never done work with their hand at all. (My grandfather had it - he was a submariner!)

Pcdefender
WA, 1607 posts
5 Oct 2022 11:25AM
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There is a windsurfer Greg who is unable to straighten his right arm after playing squash for years around 20 years ago.

Still not healed.

Guessing lots of flexing of the fingers whilst watching tv and a super healthy diet are your best bet.

A lighter grip on your boom possibly.

Sparky
WA, 1122 posts
5 Oct 2022 12:32PM
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^^^^^ yep, guessing.

Bobbin
WA, 122 posts
5 Oct 2022 12:41PM
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Commonly known as Vikings Disease.

jksmurf
212 posts
5 Oct 2022 4:28PM
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Yup. I'm with Shifu. I can lay them flat so it doesn't bother me yet. When it's time to get them injected or whatever, I will do. Left hand only.
I'm 50% Viking on my Mum's side so it is not unexpected.

Shifu
QLD, 1992 posts
6 Oct 2022 9:04AM
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I'm 50% viking on my mother's side, 25% Irish, 50% English, 25% German, and 100% red panda.
RHS (LHS has a cord developing between thumb and forefinger, which is rare)




Chris 249
NSW, 3518 posts
6 Oct 2022 10:40AM
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I've got it pretty heavily and will need surgery, but this season I have to train hard for two world champs next season so it's going to be a long way away.

The idea of having Dupuytrens makes me feel old, but having Viking's disease makes me feel cool. My understanding is that apart from genetics, there is a relationship to clenching your hand a lot.

Sandman1221
2776 posts
6 Oct 2022 8:32AM
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From the Mayo Clinic

Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb, and occurs most often in older men of Northern European descent. A number of treatments are available to slow the progression of Dupuytren's contracture and relieve symptoms.

A number of factors are believed to increase your risk of the disease, including:
Age. Dupuytren's contracture occurs most commonly after the age of 50.
Sex. Men are more likely to develop Dupuytren's and to have more severe contractures than are women.
Ancestry. People of Northern European descent are at higher risk of the disease.
Family history. Dupuytren's contracture often runs in families.
Tobacco and alcohol use. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of Dupuytren's contracture, perhaps because of microscopic changes within blood vessels caused by smoking. Alcohol intake also is associated with Dupuytren's.
Diabetes. People with diabetes are reported to have an increased risk of Dupuytren's contracture.

KDog
364 posts
6 Oct 2022 12:05PM
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Have had it since my early 40's had surgery it was in my thumb that's all good now but little finger pulled in pretty bad going to see about that soon.Look at it this way it pre curves your hand to fit the boom

NCUSAGUY
65 posts
9 Oct 2022 11:43PM
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Had it in both hands (ring fingers) about a year apart. Not bad but saw no reason to wait for a fix. Surgery fixed both, no big deal. That was about 20 years ago and no further issues. Now age 77.

Windxtasy
WA, 4017 posts
14 Oct 2022 8:21PM
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it is a familial thing in my family but I have been windsurfing for 20 + years and I don't have it



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"Dupuytren's Contracture - Can't straighten finger(s)" started by lwalker