Dupuytren's Disease In Rock Climbers

[@juliasmigelskis2222]

Dupuytrens is such an interesting, understudied condition that I see loads of in my practice as a climbing physio. We really need a good quality RCT to assess conservative treatment methods. If I ever decide to do a PHD, that'd be the topic :D

[@TheClimbingDoctor]

Agreed! It is very common to see in clinical practice but more is needed for conservative management. If you ended up doing a PhD that would be a great and much needed topic!

[@alpenrosecabins]

Come to Golden BC Canada for great climbing spots see you soon

[@pnzrldr]

Restarted climbing after 25+ years at age 55. Already have Dupuytren's, or at least signature nodules, on 4th metacarpal region left hand. Now have my first climbing related finger injury - maybe a pulley strain? of that particular finger. Have no real limit on ROM of that finger - goes to minus 30 degrees or so - but curious if the Dupuytren's increases the likelihood of tendon/finger injury?

[@TheClimbingDoctor]

It hasn't been shown in the literature to have a correlation but it does increase the friction on the tendon in the palm which may alter gripping mechanics and could result in more pulley load while crimping.

[@normanwilliams3578]

Can it be permanently cured...i have it in both hands???

[@TheClimbingDoctor]

There are several ways to manage the condition both conservatively (exercises to decrease hand stiffness) and more aggressively (needle aponeurotomy). The good news is that plenty of climbers have this condition and are climbing quite hard with no issues. It is manageable.