John Elway Shares His Dupuytren’s Contracture Patient Journey
Health & Patients
NFL legend John Elway is teaming up with Endo to share his patient journey with Dupuytren’s contracture, a hand condition caused by a buildup of collagen that forms a rope-like “cord” beneath the skin of the palm.1,2
The former quarterback started experiencing pain in his right hand in his early 50s. As it progressed, the cord pulled his ring finger toward his palm.
“I couldn’t lay my hand flat on the table, and it was very difficult to throw a football like I used to,” said John. “I have grandchildren, and I wanted to play catch with them, pick them up, and do all the things that a grandfather does.”
John lived with pain and discomfort in his hand for nearly two years before he took control and made an appointment with a hand specialist, who diagnosed him with Dupuytren’s contracture. After having plenty of surgeries throughout his football career, he was glad to discover that there was a nonsurgical treatment option.
Five years after his treatment, the symptoms have not returned to the treated area. John is eager to share his story with people who may be living with Dupuytren’s contracture. He wants to encourage them to find a hand specialist and ask for nonsurgical treatment options.
In fact, John will take his own advice soon. As a progressive condition, Dupuytren’s contracture cannot be cured. He believes another cord is forming in a different finger, and he plans to get treated with the same procedure.
“And this time, I will not wait as long or put up with inconveniences and pain before calling my hand specialist.”
Learn more about Dupuytren’s contracture at FactsOnHand.com.
References:
1. Bayat A, McGrouther DA. Management of Dupuytren’s disease – clear advice for an elusive condition. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2006;88:3-8.
2. Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al. Injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s contracture. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(10):968-979.
