John Elway’s Dupuytren’s Contracture Increases Awareness

John Elway, legendary Denver Broncos quarterback and current president of football operations for the team, recently shared his journey battling the hand condition known as Dupuytren’s Contracture with USA today.

While Dupuytren’s contracture is not a well-known condition of the hand, it can be debilitating – preventing curled fingers from being straightened. Obviously this can interfere with almost every aspect of everyday life – from texting or typing, to eating or grasping a steering wheel.

John Elway has gratefully regained the use of his hands through the treatment of a hand specialist — and hopes that speaking publicly about his Dupuytren’s Contracture will raise national awareness of the hand condition.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture

Though not often in the public eye, Dupuytren’s Contracture affects approximately 16 million people in the United States. It is sometimes referred to as “Vikings disease,” because it more commonly affects people of Northern European descent.

No one is sure what triggers Dupuytren’s Contracture, but in addition to heredity there appears to be a relationship to smoking, alcohol use and certain types of athletic activity in some people. Dupuytren’s Contracture occurs when there is an excess build-up of collagen that thickens into a rope-like cord in the palm.

Some people mistake Dupuytren’s Contracture for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions of the hand. This is why it is very important to see a hand specialist, like Dr. Rehman, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

John Elway’s Dupuytren’s Contracture

Mr. Elway told USA today that he had Dupuytren’s Contracture in both hand – and that it got progressively worse after retiring in 1999, following back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs. Reportedly a Broncos trainer referred him to a hand specialist, who provided hand therapy that successfully restored the use of his famous hands, while allowing him to avoid surgery.

“My hands have come back great. We’re trying to get the word out there, because a lot of people have it that don’t realize they have it.”

Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture

Some very mild cases of Dupuytren’s contracture that do not interfere with daily activity may not require any treatment and can simply be monitored by a hand specialist with regular checkups.

More severe of Dupuytren’s Contracture will benefit from therapy with a hand specialist – such as Mr. Elway received. In very advanced cases, surgery may need to be performed. But in most instances Macomb County hand specialist Dr. Rehman can put in place a therapy plan to help the patient regain use of their fingers – just like John Elway did.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Doctor – Macomb County

If you are suffering from any injury, loss of mobility or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Macomb County hand specialist Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Dupuytren’s Contracture.

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.

Macomb County Dupuytren’s Contracture Consultation: 586.532.0803