A deformity of the hand, Dupuytren’s contracture typically develops slowly and progresses over several years. Dupuytren’s Contracture can sometimes be slowed and even cured with dietary changes and supplements like vitamin E and vitamin D.
Natural Remedies for Dupuytren’s Contracture
As the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture is generally slow, many steps can be taken to treat the symptoms and cure the condition altogether. Making dietary changes such as following the Epigenetic or Paleo Diet helps heal the body and reduce pain. Likewise, supplementing the diet with zinc and vitamin E softens nodules and support overall cell health, preventing further development of the condition.
What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
The condition affects the underlying tissue in the skin in the palm, causing knots of tissue to develop. Over time, the knots form into a thick cord that pulls one or more of the fingers into a folded or bent position.
The development of Dupuytren contracture and its symptoms generally takes place over several years; however, it can vary. Some cases develop over a few months or even weeks, and in some affected individuals development of the condition begins and ends intermittently. The condition often presents as a thickening of the skin in the palm at onset. In addition, the skin may appear puckered or dimpled. As the condition progresses, a firm lump of tissue often forms in the palm of the hand that may become sensitive to the touch. Over time and with further progression of the condition, cords of tissue form beneath the skin and extend toward the fingers. As the cords begin to tighten, the fingers pull in toward the palm.
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown; however, some researchers suggest the condition may be caused by an autoimmune issue. In an autoimmune disorder or reaction, the immune system attacks its own body tissues, which may be the case with Dupuytren’s contracture.
Continue reading to learn which remedies helped Earth Clinic readers with Dupuytren’s Contracture and let us know what worked for you!
Yes, my understanding of dupytrons contracture stems from my father having had this condition for many years. He was a drinker and smoker, both to excess, which was instrumental in precipitating and prolonging the condition. What I was told by his doctor was that the tendons became pinched within the synovial sheath, and they performed surgery in order to free their motion. I am a chinese medical practitioner, and in Chinese medical theory any pathology having to do with the tendons, directly and unambiguously implicates liver health, since the liver rules the tendons…so specifically drinking and smoking adversely effects (among many many things) the liver’s function of keeping the tendons moist, strong, supple and smooth.
The operations were successful temporarily, but the condition returned when he did not clean up his lifestyle… the skin of the palm was also hardened but it’s the hardening of the tendons proper which tightened his hands into a semi-claw position. basically it’s a lifestyle choice, either clean-up yr act and minimize the poisons being administered, or lose the function of yr hands…but the place to start therapy is with is the liver….topical applications of herbs, etc are useful, but futile without cleansing and restoring liver health, ie function(s)…acupuncture, herbs, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes will remedy the condition…the liver is the most regenerable organ!
What is the best liver cleanse to go about ? – and/or therapies that you are aware of ?
I am 66 years old. A month ago I was diagnosed with Dupuytrens Constricture affecting the middle finger of my left hand. I was unable to straighten the finger. I have had two acupuncture treatments over a two week period and whilst the lumps have not totally gone, I do have full mobility of the finger again. The lumps have definitely reduced in size. The acupuncturist inserted needles both sides of the tendon and past a small electrical current through them The treatment was not painful, just a little strange. I am having one more treatment next week and then every couple of months depending on the condition. I am, needless to say, delighted with the results.
First off Mark, I like your sense of humor. I have self diagnosed myself with Dupuytrens contraction. What is your update since 2018?
I’m not Mark but I used a garlic pad…cut up cloves of garlic and tape to hand, put on rubber glove and use whatever means to block out the smell. I used plastic grocery bag and a rubber band at my wrist and slept all night with it on. I did that two nights in a row and no pain no Dupuytrens afterwards. I did begin taking hydrolyzed collagen about the same time and it may have helped also, but not sure.
Different things work for different people. I used the garlic 4 or 5 years ago and no problems since.
I had shooting pain from dupuytren's contracture. These supplements slowed the progression and greatly reduced the stabbing pain that would wake me. My thumb had stopped functioning and that function returned.
Finally, limiting sugar/Carbs may help.
I've been researching anything that might help with either TRIGGER FINGER or DUPUYTREN's CONTRACTURE. This is for my husband who is a keyboardist. I have started him on P-5-P 3x a day, in addition to all the other things he takes.
He is also a diabetic and from what I have read he also has THAT going against him for this issue.
I am using the patches instead of having him ingest NSAIDS, which does help. I put a splint on it at night. I also have been using DMSO, Magnesium oil, lavender and frankincense essential oils. We've been using Mag Citrate for a few years now, once I realized how good it is for you, especially as we are in our 60s.
I've read someplace that 20 mg BORON, divided doses, a day is helpful, but I wanted to make sure that this would not cause a problem at that dosage, or what I should look for and consider taking in addition if taking that dosage.
Thank you
My husband has Dupuytren's contracture as well. He applies a mixture of iodine, magnesium oil and dmso to his hand twice a day and just rubs it in. The knots are about gone and his hand is flexible. This is after about two weeks of consistent application of the mixture. I believe the iodine is the key. Then the dmso helps drive the iodine further into the skin and the magnesium oil helps keep it moist. It seems like a miracle to him. His doctor has Dupuytren's and had surgery. Now the doctor has a long scar across the palm of his hand. Generally the knots return within a year and apparently consistent surgery would be the remedy. I think a little mixture to soften and prevent it is more sensible, cheaper and keeps it at bay. I'm sure diet helps as well.
I place it in the jacuzzi daily and do 50 hand grips under high pressure nozzle and a hundred and three temperature. It works sometimes hours sometimes a week depends on how much I use it thereafter, but I never slow down.
I'm trying this method but struggling with the dosage. I'm using 1ml with 4 drops of Pottasium Iodide and one of DMSO. Do you mind me asking what dosage you are using?
Did you get some relief using this mixture? And at what dosage? Just bought the ingredients for my mother.
What quantities of iodine, magnesium and dmso are involved in the mixture. And what is dmso?
Hi,
Could you tell me how much of each ingredient he mixes together?
I am having much pain in wrist, elbow, and shoulder. My fingers are swollen and not bending over but I can't make a fist. Doc said it was dupuytren's not carpal tunnel. Could you please tell me what quantities your husband used in his treatment thanks? David
Sounds good and would like to give it a try, could you let me know what amounts you use of each?
Where do u get Iodine & Magnesium? What kind of iodine?
Sheila,
I purchased clear iodine and Magnesium and DMSO on Amazon.
I have been using iodine and DMSO for about a month now with no effect, but the magnesium with it may work. I did read that it should be mixed 50/50, but I apply the iodine and then the DMSO.
Hi, I am in the very early stages of Dupuyten’s which has been onset by a bone removed in my wrist and now two months later I have some hardening tendons and lumps forming. Can you please tell me the quantities of the mixture you use. I hope your husband is still getting relief. Thank you – Faye
Hi Jean,
I also have Dupuytrens and started on your husband’s treatment. It has been almost two weeks and the pain and the lumps at the base of my fingers is almost gone. I am not sure if I have the correct mix of the Iodine, Magnesium and DMSO. I use a eyedropper of each and mix an apply to my hand. Should I be adding more of one than the other? If you have any suggestions, would appreciate a reply.
Dear Colleen,
Warm greetings – i have also have just started the treatment to the Dupuytrens on my left hand with Magnesium and can see a slight decrease of the lumps after a short time.
Do you think that the DMSO and Iodine are also needed and if so, do you meanwhile have some suggestions on how to make the ‘mixture’ and what products you prefer?
I would be very grateful to hear from you and send many good wishes, Santacitta
Hi Colleen,
It would be wonderful to have an update on your healing.
I have nodules in both hands, although only one hand was affected for almost two years. I just noticed the other hand about 6 weeks ago. Is the mixture helping you? I’m not sure which type of iodine and dmso to buy. Will you tell me what you are using?
This all causes such an emotional toll. I hope that we can fix it!
What if you’re allergic to iodine?
Hi Jean,
Thank you for posting this information. Now that it’s two years later, how has this treatment turned out for your husband?
I would so like to know which dmso and iodine products you’ve used, and the proportions. Best healing wishes for us all.
Thank you so much.
I am Eastern European who lives in California. I was diagnosed with Dupuytren's Contracture on my left hand palm about 5 years ago at age 48. It was progressing rapidly with growing knot on my palm and ring finger. Over two years ago I started low carb diet and about 16 months ago I got even stricter and begin Ketogenic diet. Amazingly within couple of months knots on my hand went down as well as contracture and pain. Looks like knots continue getting smaller and there is absolutely no pain or contracture. I can freely move my fingers and my hand looks normal except for small area on the palm where there is still small visible knot. Truly amazing considering that my doctor told that contractures will get worse and worse and eventually will have to operate on it. I truly believe that keto diet is the cause for improvement as I experienced other benefits in my health as well.
I am 49 yo female of Eastern European heritage. I just was told I have Duyputreyns in my left hand. I have a very painful lump in my palm, which popped up couple of months ago and it continues to be painful. A small mass appeared about 2.5 years ago and is not painful. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. Diet, especially. I am ordering SSKI. Thank you, Victoria
Victoria, you can try Clay poultices.
what kind of clay?
On keto do you have dairy?
I am interested in the dietary changes you made for this specific issue with your hand. I just found out about this diagnosis and am looking for anything that will help.
Thank you.
Hi, my mother had the surgery for Dupuytren's Contracture and it didn't cure it but helped. It was however very painful with a long recovery time. I just today saw a cure though called Wan Hua Oil (a bit late for her then, but maybe for others).
A therapist called Dr. Harvey Kaltsas describes how to use it on page 8 of his piece on natural oils of chinese medicine.
It apparently works in a few weeks when used nightly. It removes hardened masses too and he says "works to moisten the tendon sheathes so they move smoothly and allows the fingers to open and close without catching".
Anyway you can read more if you google the oil. Hope that helps!
Hi, I have been suffering from a somewhat mild case of Dupuytrins Contracture in my left hand. I was told by a Health food store owner to try Magnesium. I started with the pills but then tried Magnesium Oil and started rubbing it in my hands once a day. Just a small amount. Well now I do not have any symptoms of the tightness and ripping feeling and pain in the morning I use to have every morning when I woke up. I stopped using it for a while and the symptoms came back. Started again and the symptoms went away again. Hey it's worth a shot for anyone. Magnesium oil is cheap. Lots of ways to get Magnesium. Pills, Oil and Epson Salts(Epson Salts are also fantastic in your Gardens).. all super cheap.
How can I purchase SSKI on-line for Dupuytrens? Kind regards, M. Kuko
There is a man in New Hampshire who makes, and sells SSKI. It's very expensive for the large bottle, but, I figured if I don't have to use it on Dupuychen's, I could use it for if we ever need it for a radiological release… Just type in SSKI New Hampshire.
You might try zinc and vitamin E. Together they work wonders.
In what form of zinc and vitamin E. Supplement or oil?
My 79 year old mother totally reversed her dupetryn’s contractures and fibromyalgia by following the Epigenetic diet formulated by Dr. Jack Kruse. She started the diet almost one year ago and her symptoms started to get better after just one week of following the diet. Now, only if she strays from the diet does sometimes the pain and other symptoms return on the same or next day. She just has to go back for to eating that way and in a day the symptoms go away again.
My mother had fibro for almost 20 years and DT for the last 4 or 5 years. For me it has gotten rid of knee joint pain and swelling. I can always tell when I am not eating right because the joint pain comes back. As soon as I eat right it goes away again.
The more stricter you can adhere to eating this way the quicker your results. This is a way of eating that you can do for a lifetime without problems. It works for most people. If it doesn’t that means it is time to see a professional because there might be something else going on.
Hi there, my mother has just been diagnosed with DC, and I would be very interested in this epiginetic diet you talk about. Is there part of a book which talks about DC in particular? What is the name of the book which got you into the diet? Thanks for your help
I would like to know where I can find the diet for dupuytrens.
Is there already some more positive news on improvement treatment DC by using epiginetic diet? Ronald
Hi there, I have at 55 years of age just been diagnosed with Duputryens disease in my left hand. Although in its very early stages, I am interested in how Epigenetics and dietary changes can help. Can you please advise? Grateful from the UK
From what I saw all he really says it that you should eat only fruits and veggies that are in season for the time of the year. If it is spring only eat them according to the time of year you are in.
I really do not see that making much sense. More important stay away from refined sugar, and not a lot of fowl.
Fowl like chicken and turkey does make it worse.
Hi Cheryl, would that include eggs? I know that’s probably a no brainer .
When I was first diagnosed with Dupuytren's Contracture in my left hand, I had about four tumors in the palm of my hand. My doctor said there was nothing he could do. I knew better. Natural is the way to go. Since I knew iodine with iodide combination shrinks tumors, I simply bought some and took 1 in the morning, 12.5 mg., and I no longer have that problem. My fingers never turned in and the tumors are gone. I must take every day anyway, due to hypothyroidism.
I just got back from the doctor's office, having been told I have Dupuytren's Contracture and that nothing can be done. Of course, the doctors have told me that before, several times, and they were always wrong before, so I have no doubt they are wrong now. HOWEVER, I'd like to figure out what is best for me to do. I am interested, Emma, is your experience. However, I've been told to stay away from iodine because I have the exact opposite problem from you: I have Graves disease, or hyperthyroidism. It's been in remission for many years. (Doctor told me nothing could be done, I ignored him and followed the advice of a woman who wrote a book on getting rid of Graves Disease, it worked, Doctor said "It's a miracle". Dumb Doctor.)
Anyway – I'm a bit afraid to simply start taking iodine. Do you have any resources you followed to identify the interaction of the collagen conversion and iodine? Andy other advice for me?
Hi I got duputreyns only in my hands last year. I had radiation therapy for 5 days, break of 8 weeks, then another 5 days. The first 5 days seemed to improve the contraction of the fingers, but the second dose didn`t help at all. My hands are now swollen, painful at times, and my knuckles have become larger (I can`t put on my wedding ring) especially in the morning. I can`t straighten my fingers completely and 2 of the fingers in my right hand are at about 75 degrees off normal.I see some reviews on epigenetic/paleo diets. How many days does it take to notice whether there will be a difference?
I'm sorry, I sure don't, I'm sorry.
EARLY STAGE DUPUYTREN – EFFECTIVE TREATMENT
Local Radiotherapy for Early Stage Dupuytren or Ledderhose is the treatment of choice to avoid surgery; the International Dupuytren Society (IDS) is collecting data on many other treatment options to foster potential sufferers with the best information available:
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiation_therapy.html
Michael,
Is these radio therapy treatment still effective in early stage?
Ronald
I also had a Needle Aponeurotomy with Dr. Badois in Paris, very successful. The cost is a fraction of an operation, the expense of the flight, stay in the hotel and treatment included. Was playing golf 3 weeks after the treatment!
Do you know of anyone now in South Africa who does this or can you let us have the contact details for your doctor in Paris? Thanks
I’ve had needle aponeurotomy on my right hand three times. The best practicioner was in Paris, Dr. Badois, who was one of the original team that developed this treatment. But it keeps coming back, and now my left hand is affected. I can’t stop thinking there must be a cause (besides inherited‚ and a cure, and I keep experimenting with movements, like brushing off the hands, wiggling the fingers, that seem to relax the tensions somewhat. working with tools seems to be bad for it, and making fists, say for shadow boxing. I do exercises ever day, kind of yoga, and like the ones where you place the hands flat on the floor, which the contracture makes difficult. Very gentle tickling massage of the cords in the palms also seems good. I feel that if I could reach a core understanding of what’s going on that produces this disease, I might be able to work on it and solve it. nowhere do I read anything about the inner causes — why we are doing this to ourselves. Comments?
Are you, or have you ever taken phenobarbital by chance? I agree with what you said as well, there is not a soul in my family who has this. Dupuytren's Contracture usually strikes men age 55 or older of eastern European decent, and it's supposedly hereditary. However, there are also studies to suggest that long term users of phenobarbital can also get DC. That would be in my case. My surgeon truly believes that this is the cause of mine. I've been taking the drug since 1986 for seizures. I've known others as well. I'm a woman, and I started to get this very gradually in my 30's. I'm 50 now, and the condition is very bad, I just had surgery 2 weeks ago on my right hand. I've had 2 surgeries now and the Xiaflex injections. That causes even more trauma to the hand with the growth of scar tissue.
I love this question. Looking at it from a numerology stand point, the issues of the #3, #4 and #1 are present. "Dupuytens" is 37/10- this is my personal Numerology and since I'm still struggling at age 48 to creatively express (#3) myself and find my truth (#7) this makes total sense to me.
*****For treatment I'm using DMSO and iodine solution but my growth is not going away. It does reduce the pain. I'll continue to work with my numerology and increase iodine solution.
Try adding in the magnesium oil. It seems that some are having good results with it alone…? Just a thought. Hope you figure it out! 🙂
Fatty liver could be a cause. I started getting a contracture on my ringer finger 7 years ago. Just found out I have a non alcohol fatty liver. Low and behold I found out that a fatty liver can cause Dupuytren's contracture.
I started to get dupuytrens in both hand several years ago when I had some severe health problems. The alternative health practioner suggested I had a deficiency of zinc. When I started taking zinc supplements (25mg per day) the nodules and the contractures started to significantly subside. (I can open my hands fully…. But sometimes still have some weakness. ) I occassonally get flareups where the hands get more painful and I start to get a nodule in each foot. (Often when I’ve forgotten my zinc. ) But it has always subsided again.
SUFRO DE ESTA ENFERMEDAD DUPUYTREN YA FUI OPERADO EN LA MANO DERECHA Y YA ME EMPESO A SALIR EN LA MANO ISQUIERDA Y POR SUPUESTO QUE ME PREOCUPA DONDE MAS ME VA A SALIR ENTONCES Y COMO ES POSIBLE QUE ESTA ENFERMEDAD MILENARIA TODAVIA NO TENGA CURA NO LO PODIA CREER NADIE DE MI FAMILIA, A RESULTADO CON ESTA ENFERMEDAD RESULTE YO CON ESTA MISTRIOSA ENFERMEDAD TENGO 43 ANOS Y PESO 98 KILOS NO TENGO NINGUN VICIO Y PERDI MI TRABAJO POR CULPA DE ESTA ENFERM.
Here is a better translation than what google provided:
“I suffer from this illness called “DUPUYTREN” I have already been operated in the right hand and it’s already started to come out in my left hand and of course I’m worried where else it might come out, how is it possible that this age old sickness still has no cure, I can’t believe it; no one in my family, as a result; the result of this mysterious illness am 43yrs of age an 98 kilos, I have no habits and lost my job because of this illness!”
Hope this helps!
Lady Barron,
Did you still see improvements when consistent using extra dosing supplement 25 mg Zinc?
Ronald
I agree with Jean in Kentucky. My hand has just started to grow nodules. My father had DC.
I have started to use 2 modalities. I use ultrasound ( physio strength type twice daily on a low frequency for 5 mins. I then use DMSO and saturated potassium iodide ( not iodine) with magnesium oil. The key is the Potassium iodide, but you need the DMSO to drive the SSKI and magnesium oil into the area. I only received the Potassium iodide today, and the nodules have already softened and flattened out.
There are a couple of Doctors on the internet, one called Tucker. Research it a and see. There is also a Utube video made by a young Australian man who will give you the quantities to use. His partner had severe DC and her hand is now flat.
I have recently under gone NA (needle aponeurotomy) procedure to remedy DC on both hands. Very succesful! So pleased that I did not have the surgery recommended by medical experts.
Does the NA treatment worked well after 5,5 years? Ronald
I have Dupuytrens in both hands, and was told by my doctor that there is no cure, and that it would get worse and only an operation would cure it. I went on a paleolithic diet, and my Dupuytrens subsided remarkably. When I break the rules, it grows again, but subsides when I go back to the correct eating. Also, massaging cold pressed Apricot oil, or any vitamin e oil into the Dupuytrens helps.
Dear Dillis,
Did you see any improvement with using cold pressed Apricot oil, oe Vitamine E?
Ronald
Hi
My mother’s fingers are bent over (dupreyens sp? contracture) and she’s been told she has to have surgery to reverse it. This has a 1 in a 100 risk of nerve damage, (which the doc. only mentioned when I asked about risks 🙂
Do you know of any remedies herbs or supplements that could help her. (She is taking baby aspirin and is in her 70’s but is quite healthy otherwise.)
Any help at all would be much appreciated, she’s a lovely lady and I think she’s just going to go for the surgery in January if she doesn’t come across anything.
Thanks
Sorry, I don’t know any remedies other than surgery. I had Dupytrens removed from my right hand in 2002 and will need the left hand done some time int the future. I did not have any nerve damage and the recouperation was not that bad. It is a bit sore sometimes when I use the hand a lot, eg. when I tried Kayaking.
My husband has had surgery on both hands due to Dupuytren’s Contrature. He had no serious problems due to the surgery. He was, however, one of the youngest his Dr. had performed the surgery on and because he was young at the time, his hands are contracting again. We try to keep up with the latest in regard to this condition and there is now a newer treatment using injections which has been quite successful and does not require surgery. If you check websites on Dupuytren’s, you should be able to do some homework before your mother decides to have surgery. This new treatment might be an alternative for her to explore. Good luck to her.
Whatever you do, don’t do the surgery. Go see Dr. Charles Eaton in Jupiter, Fl for the needle procedure. He’s great and it’s very easy and successful. Also, I have softened my nodules with a raw food and green smoothie diet.
Best,Kathy C
My husband is age 41 and has the worst case of DC his doctor has ever seen. According to his Dr. surgery is the only fix and there is no cure. I did hear about the Dr in Florida as well. He has it in both feet and both hands. His first surgery was when he was in his mid 30’s (usually DC affects people much older). The surgery had to be repeated within a year. The second time they had to remove so much tissue he had to have a skin graph and lost some mobility in his pinky finger. He had both feet operated on twice with no nerve damage. It has returned and will need surgery again when he gets to the point he can’t walk. DC is hereditary and reoccurring. One Dr. mentioned that there seems to be a connection to skin graphs and less reoccurrence.
I have had 2 NA procedures done in Fl by the Dr. on the same finger done within 5 years. After the second I had cortisone injected to soften the nodules only to backfire. My contracture returned within 4 weeks of the injection which was only intended to soften the nodules. I could not believe what I was seeing… I was told I will have to have another NA procedure to fix this.. Lesson learned: don’t mess around with anything after NA procedure
Who can I contact/see in South Africa for treatment?
To Olof. I dont know anyone in South Africa besides the medical fraternity who only want to operate. How bad is your Dupuytrens? There is a website which deals with the problem naturally. It worked for me. I will surf for the website and post it to this thread when I find it again.
Notice: some people are finally having notable success treating DP via Cryotherapy. There is a great, very active and responsive group of patients reporting thier findings, results, progress, post-op issues, etc at Yahoo Groups for DP, so you folks may want to check them out!
I've had a lot of success using Standard Process phosfood. The cord and nodule in my left hand had softened a huge amount, my pinky finger on my right hand is straighter and more flexible. I also have leddarhose in my feet with strong cords no nodules. The cords on my feet are also softening. Another thing I want to mention is that I follow a ketogenic dietary lifestyle, which may also be helping.
Susan,
Would you mind giving an update on your Dupuytren's after using the Phosfood drops? Thanks!
i have DC on the palm & pointer finger of my left hand. In researching I found an old article that someone healed their DC with marijuana. The person made it into a poutine and wore latex gloves to bed. I’ve been to the doctor and took before pictures. I am using CBD with aloe, cocoa, cupuacu butter & magnesium nightly (a friend mixed it up for me). I rub it into my hand before bed and contracture has not gone away, but has not gotten worse & I have no pain.