Dupuytrens contracture and PMR

[larkthebark]

This may seem a silly question but is the condition of Dupuytrens contracture linked in any way to PMR ?

I have done a bit of research and it would seem both conditions are linked to genetics particularly in the northern Hemisphere .

Some medical staff even call this 'The Viking disease' !!!!!

I have had PMR since 2020 and was currently stable on 1mg a day.

However recently I have developed pain in my lower arms, hands and fingers.

I am seeing my GP today as I also have the start of Dupuytrens in both hands.

I am not sure if the pain is a PMR flare or secondary to the contractures which are also painful.

It has been quite debilitating and makes simple tasks that require grip very difficult and painful.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think there is a direct link to PMR - but Viking genes don't cause PMR, they just mean you are more likely to develop the big pictures that results in PMR. There isn't a single gene that causes it in the same way hereditary diseases like muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis occur.

[Louisa1840]

Hi, I had Dupuytrens contracture for a few weeks a year or so ago. I was hearing all sort of dire stories about it needing surgery etc. I found some good exercises for the condition on line and I was fine in a few weeks. One year later there is no trace of it. Whether there is any link with PMR - who knows?

[larkthebark in reply to Louisa1840]

Thankyou. I shall reserch the exercises.

[readingbooks]

There could be an association or just coincidence. I developed Dupytrens in my right hand about a year ago ( 6 years of PMR and prednisone ). Sometimes that hand aches, but it doesn't seem to have progressed much.

[larkthebark]

It will be interesting to see if my CRP is elevated as I am sure the pain is a combination of Dupuytrens and PMR

And of course I am 3 years older than my diagnosis and some aches and pains will become present as steroids are reduced.

My left shoulder is very stiff but as it is only on one side this is unlikely to be PMR.

As always , I adjust my activity according to my ability and still feel more fortunate than some who have struggled with PMR pain for years.

Thankyou for your input.

[pmr_nikola]

No connection to PMR but with "Viking" genes it gives you predisposition for developing Dupuytrens contracture. I had it for long time before PMR. First symptoms shows up when I was in mid 40's. It was "stable" until recently. It became active again as I was lowering prednisone below 2. I am north of 70 now and about 2 years ago it started to bother me. New contracture started to develop and I went to see orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hand problems. This is the first time I heard about Dupuytrens contracture.

Treatment depends on severity of the problem, pain and how limiting the deceases is in everyday life. In my case he recommended therapy. Every week I go and get 30 min treatment with Pulsed Radiofrequency ( 3MHz) to make contractors softer. Every day I do gentle stretches. The goal is to stop the progress. There is no cure . Surgery is the last option because of the risk of damage to nerves. There are some other treatment too, you could read about them in the web but this is the one that I am familiar with and it seems to be working. If you need more more info, feel free to message me.

[larkthebark]

Thankyou so much for your message.

I am the same age and your problems are a mirror image of mine.

I think pred probably masks some underlying conditions and return when you reduce the anti-inflammatory umbrella steroids provide.

I have been offered steroid injections but await my blood tests which , although not conclusive, will give some idea if my PMR is still active.