Learn All About Dupuytren’s Hand Contracture: A Hand Deformity

Dupuytren’s hand contracture is a painless condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm. As a result, the affected fingers can’t straighten completely. Moreover, the knots of tissues form under the skin of your hand. It mostly affects your two fingers that are farthest from the thumb. If you are a victim of this disease, then here is your complete guide for recovery from symptoms to treatment options:

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture:

You will need help to lay your hand flat on the surface especially palm down.There are one or more small tender lumps that you might notice, and the tenderness will go away over time.Over time, the lump can extend into a thick hard cord under the skin and up into the finger.The nodules might thicken, contract or tighten, which causes the thick band of tissues under the skin of the palm of your hand.The pits grooves in the skin compressed by the contracted finger can become very sore and lead to skin loss if they don’t heal properly.You might also notice fingers are pulled forward.You might experience a complication in the ability to move your hand.

Risk factors: 

It mostly occurs after the age of 50It is more common among men than women, as the symptoms are worst in men and progress more quickly.It is more likely to run in families, especially if you are of northern European descent and at a higher risk of this disease.Some studies show the connection between Dupuytren’s contracture and workers using a vibrating tool.People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing this condition.Smoking tobacco and drinking can increase the risk of Dupuytren’s hand contracture.

Treatment:

Taping: Taping can help in resting your fingers and hand, as it is important to reduce pressure by using a lighter grip. It helps in minimizing the amount of pressure that is being placed on your affected hand.

Exercising: You can also practice stretching exercises that can help you manage Dupuytren’s hand contracture by maintaining mobility in your hand. However, you need to go easy on yourself, as stretching to the point can lead to pain that can do more harm than good.  

Massage: Massaging your hand help with healing, you need to perform a gentle massage by rubbing the area around the thickening tissue of the palm, and you can work your way up to the fingers. If you are having difficulty practicing it yourself, you can get assistance from massage tools or wands that are easily available in the market.

Hence, Dupuytren’s hand contracture is a hand deformity that can limit your ability to perform hand movements if you don’t treat this at an earlier stage. However, you can easily treat this with the help of the home remedies mentioned above to relieve painful symptoms.