I noticed the lump several months ago and eventually got round to seeing my doc today about it. I thought that it was a cyst or callus. It never really bothers me unless I am lifting heavy weights when working out, but wearing special gloves avoids any discomfort.

My doc’s diagnosis was that it node of skin which forms during the initial stage of dupuytren’s contracture. He suggested that I find out more by looking on the net:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_r...pcategory=Hand

It is supposed to be a genetic condition affecting mostly middle aged northern European men. Despite this Maggie Thatcher once had it and my father told me that he and to the best of his knowledge no one else in the family had it. It eventually causes the middle and little fingers to contract in towards the palm. Nothing can be done until the contracture actually occurs, but I might be lucky and only develop the skin node, this can sometimes occur in many cases.

I am not looking forward to it developing further, so if anyone has ever had this condition, I’d be grateful if they can let me know how they coped with it and if they ever regained normal use of their hand.

Hiya
I was diagnosed with this last week too when I went to the doc thinking I had a ganglion. I am really fed up as there doesn't seem to be anything positive written anywhere except, 'wait for the fingers to contract and have an op which may not work'. I am a 46 year old female and like you, don't know of anyone with it inn my family so am baffled.
I just wonder if the doctors sometimes confuse it with something else so am going to get a second opinion.
I did just see something a bit more useful online which is that in the US they are in the final stages of trialling an enzyme which can dissolve the fibrous tissues when injected. Let's hope that gets launched soon! Also, high doses of Vitamin E is an altrnative therapy idea.
Let me know if you hear anything helpful and I will too!
Claire
PS I first noticed my lump when using weight in the gym as well

Awens to Claire:

It is nice to see that your First Post on our BC is nice Medical Advice for our Bill MC.

I guess I will have to start a Welcome Thread for you.

Originally Posted by ClaireB Hiya I was diagnosed with this last week too when I went to the doc thinking I had a ganglion. I am really fed up as there doesn't seem to be anything positive written anywhere except, 'wait for the fingers to contract and have an op which may not work'. I am a 46 year old female and like you, don't know of anyone with it inn my family so am baffled. I just wonder if the doctors sometimes confuse it with something else so am going to get a second opinion. I did just see something a bit more useful online which is that in the US they are in the final stages of trialling an enzyme which can dissolve the fibrous tissues when injected. Let's hope that gets launched soon! Also, high doses of Vitamin E is an altrnative therapy idea. Let me know if you hear anything helpful and I will too! Claire PS I first noticed my lump when using weight in the gym as well

Fortunately the condition has not developed to the contraction stage. It is much the same as it was about 4 years ago. This can often happen. I just have to make a point of wear a padded glove on the right hand when doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Good to know it has not become any worse, Bill, do take care though.