Dupuytren's Contracture or Lumbrical Inflammation

After a gym session a few days ago I felt a noticeable bump along my pinky tendon that was pretty tender, first thought is it aligns with Dupuytrens but it would be unusual in this case I think.

I’m 23, I do have Scandinavian heritage, but my age and the fact that it hurt I feel like are indicators that it’s not that. I’m going to try to get in to a PT but I was wondering if anyone has ever had this before and it’s *not* Dupuytrens? It’s not visible but you can definitely feel it, kind of just feels like a small maybe like 2mm circle lump that’s somewhat uncomfortable to touch. 

It’s a bummer if it is Dupuytrens, it seems kind of early to get something like this but it probably won’t stop me from continuing to progress. 

It can definitely be other stuff especially if you have a cause for it. I have a lump in that part of my hand, confirmed it’s just a cyst thanks to an ultrasound from the climb clinic. If you have full mobility of the fingers I wouldn’t get worried. 

Chronically Injured wrote:

After a gym session a few days ago I felt a noticeable bump along my pinky tendon that was pretty tender, first thought is it aligns with Dupuytrens but it would be unusual in this case I think.

I’m 23, I do have Scandinavian heritage, but my age and the fact that it hurt I feel like are indicators that it’s not that. I’m going to try to get in to a PT but I was wondering if anyone has ever had this before and it’s *not* Dupuytrens? It’s not visible but you can definitely feel it, kind of just feels like a small maybe like 2mm circle lump that’s somewhat uncomfortable to touch. 

It’s a bummer if it is Dupuytrens, it seems kind of early to get something like this but it probably won’t stop me from continuing to progress. 

That’s how mine started when I was 25, I have it in both my pinkies now. My right hand bump got kinda big, but then actually regressed to a small bump again. The left has been pretty small for the whole time I’ve had it. So don't expect the worst from it!

I am a former Colorado climber in my late 60's who just had 3rd procedure two days ago for duputrens on right hand pinky finger.  This was my second major operation on this finger to remove several large nodules and cord at the base and in the palm of right pinky.  Last May I had Xiaflex injection in same finger and ring finger.  The injection was successful on ring finger but failed on the pinky.  The nodules formed next and grew in size.  My pinky finger was beginning to curl in.  With reluctance, I had the 3rd operation.

In Jan. 2019 I had this finger surgically repaired (20 sutures) along with pinky and ring finger on left hand (40 sutures) under general anesthesia.  Both hands in same surgery!!   Then physical therapy and ultrasound for scar management over 3 sessions.  Serious pain and suffering for weeks/months.  I had waited too long to see a hand specialist in my 50's and the fingers were in advanced Duputrens stage (severely bent into palm) on left hand.

The left hand has held up well over last 6 years.  But the right hand has not, hence Tuesdays surgery under pac10 anesthesia.  I now have a cast on for 10 days, then suture removal and therapy all over again.  However, the pain after Tuesday's surgery is minimal, nothing like the pain I felt in 2019.

Medicare pays for everything.  However, the pain and suffering was extensive.  I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  This disease does not sleep and can return after previous surgery, as mine did.

I am of Swiss background and my father did not have this disease as far as I know.  So it can skip a generation.

Thanks for this reality check Ernie, it is sobering.

What would have done differently knowing what you know now? Especially for those of us who know we have it young but also that it has not progressed at all yet.

What would I have done differently?  Life is full of second guessing!  Get to a hand specialist early at first sign of nodules forming!  I didn't bc I didn't have the insurance I have now!

"Dupuytren's contracture runs a variable course. Some patients have little incapacity for many years, and regression occurs in approximately 10 percent [52]. In others, fibrous bands form and radiate distally so that, ultimately, the fingers are contracted by the taut bands and hand function is impaired. Without any therapy, progression is observed in about 50 percent of patients over six years of follow-up. All treatments are palliative; no therapy has been shown to stop the process."

From a very reliable source. MDs and professors of rheumatology and orthopedic surgery. Last updated April 8, 2025. Good luck with whatever it is. 

Chronically Injured wrote:

After a gym session a few days ago I felt a noticeable bump along my pinky tendon that was pretty tender, first thought is it aligns with Dupuytrens but it would be unusual in this case I think.

I’m 23, I do have Scandinavian heritage, but my age and the fact that it hurt I feel like are indicators that it’s not that. I’m going to try to get in to a PT but I was wondering if anyone has ever had this before and it’s *not* Dupuytrens? It’s not visible but you can definitely feel it, kind of just feels like a small maybe like 2mm circle lump that’s somewhat uncomfortable to touch. 

It’s a bummer if it is Dupuytrens, it seems kind of early to get something like this but it probably won’t stop me from continuing to progress. 

I had a bump and thought it was Dupuytrens but it never developed and just stayed a lump. My wife just developed one last year (she rows as well). It seems that putting strain on those tendons can cause lumps. Don't worry until you have to worry!

Yup pretty gross. I had my ankle replaced 3 months ago and all my big scars are on the outside of my foot where I can’t see them. 

In 2019 I had Both hands done!  Couldn't use my hands to eat for 3 days!  Couldn't shower for 2 weeks. No big deal...

The Pain after my first procedures was excruciating for weeks, medication didn't work. Even with Norco.

Eventually it subsided and it got back to normal after physical therapy.

My surgery on April 22 went well after I almost cancelled it several times due to anxiety.

However, I had NO PAIN post op!!!  DOC said he can't explain it, human body reacts in different ways.

I am now scheduled for physical therapy on Wed. for scar therapy and straightening the finger.

My advice is go to a hand specialist as soon as nodules start to form in the base of fingers.

Nodules are raised bumps at the base of finger.  If these are allowed to grow into cords under skin they will pull finger in.