NFL Hall of Famer John Elway Talks About the Rare Hand Condition That Left Him Unable to Hold a Football (Exclusive)

John Elway has finally gotten his rare hand condition under control.

The Denver Broncos general manager, 64, opened up to PEOPLE about his treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture and how once again he can do what he loves without limitations.

The Hall of Famer first started experiencing symptoms in his 50s. He struggled with tightness and constriction in his right hand that worsened over time. “The first thing I noticed was I couldn't put my hand flat on the desk,”  he tells PEOPLE.

But he didn't pay much attention until the symptoms started interfering with his love of football. That’s when the former Broncos quarterback knew it was time to get help.

“Even though I wasn't playing anymore, I still liked to be able to throw the football around and I eventually couldn't do that,” he says. “So I was like, there's got to be something wrong here.”

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Elway was ultimately diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture in 2019. Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand, making them unable to straighten completely, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It typically occurs after the age 50 and is more common in men. The condition is progressive and causes knots of tissue to form under the skin of the palms, eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position, which can be painful.

After receiving an official diagnosis, Elway felt a sense of relief to be able to put a name to his condition.

“You’re kind of like, what's going on? I made a living throwing a football, and so now all of a sudden my right hand's constricting and I can't get it on a football,” he explains. “So, I did worry a little bit but it's also comforting to kind of know what it is.”

“It's uncomfortable not knowing something,” he adds, “but once you understand it and with facts on hand, you can start that journey of finding your best option.”

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There is no cure for Dupuytren’s, but symptoms can be managed. Treatment involves removing or breaking apart the cords that are pulling the fingers toward the palm. This can be done a number of ways, typically through surgery.

“The last thing I wanted to do is have surgery,” Elway says. That's when he was introduced to Xiaflex, the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for the condition.

“They give you a shot in your hand. Dupuytren’s is a collagen buildup around the tendons in your hand so the Xiaflex can break that down, and 24 hours later you’re able to release that finger. And I was back on the golf course in about a week,” the two-time Super Bowl champ says. “So you figure a week to two weeks is the recovery time rather than six to eight weeks when it comes down to surgery.”

“It's been tremendous and I was able to get my hand back on the football,” he says.

Elway notes that although the condition is something he’ll always have to deal with, he gets a “mental release” knowing that his hands will feel “pretty normal” until he requires more treatment.

“It’s good to know that you're going to be able to shake a hand and live everyday life with not many inconveniences,” he says.

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Since finding that relief and speaking publicly about his condition, Elway has been able to connect with others who have been diagnosed and resonate with his journey.

“I felt like I've been able to help a lot of people with this,” he says. “You're not alone. It is something that obviously we all wish we didn't have, but it's nice to know that you're not the only one out there that experiences this condition.”

Elway tells PEOPLE that he hopes he can educate others to stay on top of their health and avoid the mistakes he made.

“The earlier you get on it, the better chances of success you have,” he says. “So even though I waited longer than I probably should have, I’m encouraging people that if they're experiencing the constriction in their hands to go see a hand specialist and stay on top of it.”

Read the original article on People