Dupuytren's disease can affect any finger on the hand, but it most often appears in the ring finger. It can affect one or both hands. There may be no pain associated with the hardening of the tissue, but sometimes the tissue can swell and cause joint pain, burning, or itching.
Dupuytren disease doesn't only affect the palms of the hands. People with severe involvement often show lumps on the back of their finger joints (called “Garrod pads”, “knuckle pads”, or “dorsal Dupuytren nodules”) and lumps in the arch of one or both feet (Ledderhose disease).
Dupuytren's contracture: This form of arthritis causes the tissue beneath the hand to develop nodules in the fingers and palms. These lumps can cause the fingers to stick in place.
Dupuytren contracture is a painless condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand. The affected fingers can't straighten completely. Knots of tissue form under the skin. They eventually create a thick cord that can pull the fingers into a bent position.
Inflammatory infiltration of palmar tissue from Dupuytren's contracture has been reported by several authors, who concluded that Dupuytren's contracture may be a chronic inflammatory disease.
Both alcohol and smoking are frequently mentioned as risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture. “The evidence for smoking is stronger than for drinking, and it makes sense because smoking, like diabetes, decreases blood supply to the hand,” Evans says.
In terms of the immunological features of DD, evidence has persistently suggested the involvement of both T and B lymphocytes in DD etiology [7, 38]. As such, the disease has frequently been termed a “T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder” [6].
When the nodular lumps in the palm feel tender, a self-massage with lanolin ointment can help to reduce the pain and stiffness. Massage the area in two directions: up and down the tendon, and then across the tendon. Follow the massage by some gentle stretching of your fingers.
We found no protective association between rheumatoid arthritis and Dupuytren's disease.
We observed a tendency toward changed frequencies of occurrence of central nervous system tumors, laryngeal cancer and non-melanoma skin cancers in DD families. The results of our study indicate a lack of a strong association between Dupuytren disease and familial cancer risk.
Dupuytren's contracture complications
If left untreated, Dupuytren's contracture can be debilitating. As the condition progresses, it can limit your ability to open your hand fully, grasp small objects, or insert your hands in narrow spaces.
It has been claimed that striking success can be gained in the treatment of Dupu'tren's contracture of the palmar fascia by simple oral administration of vitamin E in high dosage. It has been said that, after such treatment, thickening of the fascia disappears anti contracture of the fingers is relieved.
A Dupuytren's contracture typically progresses very slowly, over a period of years. Signs and symptoms of the condition may include: Nodules. You may develop one or more small lumps, or nodules, in the palm of your hand.
Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. You can have it in both hands at the same time. It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.
Even if the disease is not severe and you do not need surgery, it is still beneficial to begin a physiotherapy programme to help maintain your hand's range of movement and strength. Physiotherapy for a Dupuytren's contracture.
Soft-tissue manipulation and massage can be especially beneficial during the early stages of Dupuytren's contracture. Due to the fact that this is often a progressive condition, there's simply no reason to wait to see if “it gets better” before booking an appointment with a chiropractor to try to manage symptoms.
Surgery for Dupuytren contracture generally should be performed on an affected metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint if the contracture is 30° or greater. Such contractures most likely cause some debilitation for the patient.
The conservative approaches include: Heat: Applying heat to the palms of the hand prior to massage or exercise can help to loosen the tissues. Massage: Gently massage the thickened tissues of the palm. Exercises: Stretching exercises such as bending the fingers away from the palm may be useful.
A healthy diet can keep Dupuytren's contracture from worsening. Like arthritis, inflammation can speed up symptoms. However, a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables naturally reduces inflammation. Studies show that magnesium and vitamin E also reduce inflammation and taking a daily supplement may help.
Follow your doctor's advice for physiotherapy or occupational therapy and exercises to put your fingers and hand through a range of motion. Two times a day, massage your hand and gently stretch the fingers back. This can get rid of tightness and help keep your fingers flexible. Try to avoid curling your hand tightly.
Conclusion: Dupuytren's disease is a disease of unknown etiology. It has association with various conditions. Dupuytren's contracture has increased incidence in chronic liver disease and chronic alcoholism. It is a rare sign and poorly reported.
Dupuytren contracture is usually passed down through generations in families and is the most common inherited disorder of connective tissue. The inheritance pattern is often unclear. Some people who inherit gene changes associated with Dupuytren contracture never develop the condition.
You may be able to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if you have Dupuytren's contracture caused by your work. Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where, over time, one or more fingers permanently bend in towards the palm of your hand and can no longer be straightened.