Dupuytren's contracture natural treatment
April 23 2017 by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

This progressive condition, caused by the growth of collagen nodules in the palm and fingers, afflicts as many as 6 percent of whites, most of them older, male, and often from northern Europe. As the collagen thickens, it can pull a finger into a bent position limiting movement and dexterity.

Natural treatment
I have received one email from someone who thought serrapeptase enzyme supplements were helping with their Dupuytren's contracture but it is too early to know.

Enzyme injection may be of benefit
Injections of an enzyme that breaks up collagen may unlock permanently curled fingers for people with Dupuytren's contracture, The Auxilium Pharmaceuticals treatment, which is awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of 2009, avoids the need for hand surgery and the long rehabilitation that follows. Dr. Lawrence Hurst of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, who did the study, has financial ties to the company. He said the success rate of the enzyme, which has a brand name of Xiaflex, is comparable to surgery. The treatment will be evaluated by an FDA advisory panel. The company is also studying Xiaflex as a treatment for breaking apart collagen deposits that cause penises to bend, a condition known as Peyronie's disease, and for frozen shoulder syndrome.

Testimonial received in 2017
I have been taking Serrapeptase 240,000U - which I do realize is a high dose, for 8 days driven by a desire to mitigate Dupuytren's contracture, with no obvious side effects. I have been reading the Serrapeptase comments, and your website generally, with great interest. I monitor my blood pressure. Yesterday I took - for the first time - a Nattokinase capsule: 4 or 5 hours later my BP had soared to 176/100. It is normal again this morning after a double dose of my BP medication. I read your advice not to combine these two enzymes, and I suspect that the experience I have recounted demonstrates that I personally should refrain from combining them. I suppose it may be that if I reduced the doses of Serrapeptase and Nattokinase the blood pressure rise would not be triggered, but for the moment I am going to eliminate the Nattokinase.  I continued with the 240000iu dose and then continued with 40000 iu for around two months. My Dupuytren's bend straightened significantly and the "claw" feeling has gone - surgery for it was "postponed". I have now only taken it intermittently, but will continue with it sometimes.

Emails
Q. I am taking 2g of Acetyl-l-Carnitine a day to help my Dupuytrens condition. it has worked for a few years and now it is not helping halt the progression as much. Would taking 500mg of n acetyl cysteine be a problem with 1 or 2g of acetyl-l carnitine? I didn't see any interaction comments on these two supplements but I think they are similar so I wouldn't want to overdose. I am also taking colchicine for the condition.
   A. We have not seen any research with this combination. It is often a good idea when adding a second supplement to see how low dosages affect you. Initially taking half a capsule may be a good idea to see what kind of interaction they have before proceeding with higher amounts. Some people tolerate high dosages while others are very sensitive. I, personally, cannot take more than 300 mg of acetylcarnitine a day since I get overstimulated.

Has any of your research demonstrated a relaxation of Dupuytren's contractures? Should you look into it, some literature speaks of SSKI, PABA, Vitamin E, And DMSO as a treatment and possible cure.
   I have not studied the role of natural supplements as a treatment for Dupuytren's contractures.

I am a healthy active male in my 60s living in the Channel Island of Guernsey, UK. Just recently I had reason to visit my GP with a problem with Erectile Dysfunction and was diagnosed with Peyronies Disease. Although there is no pronounced curve in the penis he did detect fibrous tissue in the shaft. Also I have occasional slight pain with erections. I had been taking a natural prostate supplement for several years which included saw palmetto, lycopene, beta sitosterol and zinc. I was advised to stop taking this as it could be estrogenic. Is it possible that one of your products could safely replace this product and/or help reduce the fibrin caused by the Peyronies?
   At this time I am not aware of an effective natural treatment.

Surgical
Hand (N Y). 2015. Clinical outcomes following collagenase injections compared to fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of collagenase injections with that of fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Fasciectomy yields a greater mean magnitude of correction for digital contractures at the latest follow-up when compared to collagenase.