Also known as Dupuytren’s Disease, Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that can cause one or more fingers to become bent in a flexed position, bending towards the palm.
For all the condition can often be mild and painless, it can be a considerable inconvenience. Starting with small nodules under the skin in the palm of your hand, worsening over time until you eventually lose all practical function of the affected finger, and you’re no longer able to straighten it fully.
Unfortunately, for all advances in medicine and treatment in this area is continuously improving, there is no cure for Dupuytren’s contracture; We can provide you with a range of treatment options suitable to the severity of your condition.
Causes of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s disease is found more in males than females by a factor of around seven to one, to be precise. It’s also most likely to affect males over 40 years of age.
For all, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture and some causes can link to:
• Family history
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Having diabetes or epilepsy
How do you know if you have Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture may start with lumps, dimples or ridges on the palm of your hand. In such cases, you may find that you’re unable to put your hand down flat, and you struggle to carry out regular everyday activities.
Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when the layer of connective tissue (under the skin of the palm) becomes thicker and less flexible, causing small nodules to form.
These nodules can make it extremely difficult for your fingers to straighten, and over time the condition can worsen where the fingers will become permanently bent towards the palm.
Dupuytren’s disease mainly affects the ring and little fingers and can occur in both hands at the same time.
You may notice some changes to the palm of your hand too, which can indicate Dupuytren’s contracture, including visible lumps or dimples.
Nodules can be tender in the beginning; however, the condition usually causes patients no immediate discomfort, just inconvenience.
Unfortunately, treatment can’t always help in the early stages of Dupuytren’s contracture; however, we will discuss all surgical options with you depending on the severity of your case.
