Its been 3 weeks since my operation for severe DP, thought I'd make some observations.
I worked for 40 plus years woodworking, building or teaching woodworking. I'm righthanded so almost always, tools were held in that hand. My DP is in my left hand. Reading through this thread I also began to wonder if riding on the hoods, which is normal for me, may have added pressure of some sort to exacerbate the condition. Then I remembered that DP typically starts in the ring finger and only drags the pinky finger along later on, at least that's my experience. Once the pinky joined in things worsened quickly, less than a year before I could not put on a pair of gloves etc. So, in my experience at least,there's not a lot to be done about it except possibly try to stretch the fingers early on. I did read somewhere that DP is more common among those afflicted with Gout, which I have but manage.
So, stretch and do what you can.
The operation is no fun. My condition was advanced and I should have sought treatment earlier. My best guess now is that it will be about 2 months for recovery. Again, its just a hand and did not involve cardiology or oncologists or any life threatening issues and for that I'm thankful, and I'll be better soon enough. Best advice is to keep a good watch on it and to make appts with hand specialists sooner rather then later.
BTW, my father was a Greek immigrant and my mother was the daughter of 2 Scottish immigrants so theres some northern european genes but not enough to make a good case. 5 older brothers, none of whom even knows what DP is.