Dupuytren's Connection?

[slockhart]

I've known that I suffer from coeliac disease for a few years now, but only recently have I been doing more detailed research into the disease. I didn't even know that gluten intolerance was genetic. Further research has lead to some interesting discoveries which have me taking a long look at the medical history of family members. I'm sure it comes from my mother's side of the family as osteoporosis and other related diseases are common in my maternal relatives. However, convincing them of getting tested when they have not experienced the stomach pain that I went through is proving more difficult than I thought it would be, despite being armed with primary medical literature. I'm looking for more amo, before approaching my family again.

Dupuytren's runs in my family, on my mother's side. Dupuytren's contracture is a thickening of deep tissue (fascia) which passes from the palm into the fingers. Shortening of this tissue causes knots which pull the fingers into the palm. It is a very distressing genetic disease. I recently returned home to Australia for the 1st time in over 2 years and was shocked at how far Dupuytren's had progressed in my mother's fingers.

I'm hoping there is a connection. It would be wonderful if a gluten free diet could halt the disease. But my research so far has not come up with a direct connection. However, listed diseases associated with Dupuytren's include cirrhosis and diabetes - both of which are also listed as being associated with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.

Are there any other coeliacs out there who suffer from, or whose family members suffer from Dupuytren's? Or, has anyone ever heard of research connecting the two?

[vl0218]

I have a Dupuytren's contracture on both hands. I have not confirmed a diagnosis of celiac disease yet but suspect I have it based on some bloodwork I've had done.

Basically, the way I understand it, if you can't absorb vitamins your body needs due to the celiac disease, you can damage your peripheral nervous system.

[slockhart]

Yes, celiac disease can affect your nervous system. My hands shake if I eat barley gluten (gluten ataxia). But I thought Dupuytren's was more to do with the tendons or connective tissue of the hands rather than the nerves, but my knowledge of the subject is very limited - you would know more than I. However, since, as you say, celiac disease can affect the absorption of so many minerals and vitamins it makes sense that there could be a connection between it and Dupuytren's.

Thanks so much for your reply. And goodluck with your celiac diagnosis. I'd be interested in the outcome of any further tests you have.

[Mosaics]

I know this is an old thread, but I was doing some internet searches about Dupuytren's since my mother was diagnosed with it today. I came upon this thread in my search, not realizing it was celiac.com until I clicked back on the link. Ha. I come here all the time. I, along with several other family members including my mother, have celiac disease.

Anyway, in my search I came across this site on a "new" treatment for Dupuytren's in case anyone is interested.

Open Original Shared Link

[georgie]

My mother has Dupuytren's but not Celiac or Diabetes or anything else. She is 85 and fit as fit. I have Hashimotos Thyroid,low B12 possible Pernicious Anaemia, possible Celiac, Vitiligo and possible Psoriasis.My little fingers curl a bit but are not like Mum's yet.

[TriticusToxicum]

I don't know about Dupuytren's, but both my mom and grandmother have DeQuervain's Disease, which looks sort of similar.

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My mother has been tested for celiac disease, and has the gene, but is asymptomatic.

[tiredofdoctors]

My father has Dupuytren's Contracture -- has had to have surgery twice on both hands, and now has it pretty severely again on both hands, but also on the plantar surfaces of his feet.

I have spots of Dupuytren's that are forming on my hands. You can feel them, and the most important part of knowing that you have it is ensuring that you stretch your hands and fingers EVERY DAY -- at least three times per day. This will help keep the flexor tendons from becoming scarred down by the thickening fascia, and will keep your fingers from "curling in" toward your palms.

DeQuervains Tenosynovitis is a little different. It is an overuse injury to the Extensor Carpi Radialis -- and actually begins a thickening of the tendon sheath that it runs through . .. it is very 'fixable' with therapy, stretching exercises and doing some things to reduce the inflammation in that area. (lordy, haven't had to think that hard in two and 1/2 years!)

Don't know if my father has celiac . . . not sure. And it's for sure that neither of my parents will get tested for it!!!

[jonab]

Hello:

I just registered. I have been diagnosed with Ataxia; Sporadic Ataxia with nystagmus, most likely. I've had it about 5 years. I am a 70year old white male. I have had dupuytens contracture of my left hand only, for about 2 years. I have had rosy cheeks for about 3 years. My neurologist has yet to notice the rosy cheeks. My primary sent me to a dermatologist for the rosy cheeks, but he said that it was burst blood vessels, and, as a matter of fact his face had it worst than mine. My primary said that there was nothing to be done with the dupuyten's unless it got really bad.

Somehow, all this has to be related, and I agree with those of you who attribute a lot of this to a lifetime of poorly managed stress.

Doesn't it stand to reason that, after a lifetime of stress, the nervous system just wears out?

jonab

[kcsing1]

i am celiac and have dupuytren's. my grandfather had both and so did my aunt.

i believe eliminating gluten and all inflammatory foods, replacing them with green smoothies, etc, ie, anti inflammatory foods will help. there is a website which looks very helpful: Open Original Shared Link