There are no proven ways to prevent Dupuytren's disease or limit its progress. Hand therapy and rehabilitation using thermoplastic night splints and regular physiotherapy exercises may aid in the postoperative recovery period.
The cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown, but risk factors include advancing age, Scandinavian and Celtic ancestry, and certain conditions such as epilepsy, alcoholism and diabetes. Treatment options include injections of corticosteroids into the palm and surgery.
Dupuytren contracture occurs most commonly after the age of 50. Sex. Men are much more likely to develop Dupuytren than are women. In men, symptoms may be worse and progress more quickly.
Nodules: Small bumps under the skin on your palm are the first sign of Dupuytren contracture. They're usually at the base of your fingers where they meet your palm. You might be able to feel or seem them. Some people never get symptoms beyond nodules, and some people's nodules go away on their own.
Vitamin D deficiency may stimulate fibroblasts in Dupuytren's disease via mitochondrial increased reactive oxygen species through upregulating transforming growth factor-β1.
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's contracture is hereditary and typically develops in men over the age of 60 (5). However, rock climbers may develop Dupuytren's contracture in their early 20's due to repetitive stress to the palmar fascia (1).
In 10% of the cases with bilateral disease, it started simultaneously in both hands. One woman and two men noticed the first symptom before 10 years of age. In about 50% of the men, the disease started between 40-59 years of age (women 40-69 years).
A Dupuytren's contracture typically progresses (gets worse) 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.
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.
There are no proven ways to prevent Dupuytren's disease or limit its progress. Hand therapy and rehabilitation using thermoplastic night splints and regular physiotherapy exercises may aid in the postoperative recovery period.
XIAFLEX Injections: The University of Michigan is also using a new FDA-approved treatment for Dupuytren's disease: clostridial collagenase (XIAFLEX) injections that destroy the excess collagen causing the thickening and shortening of the tissue.
Early Signs of Dupuytren's Contracture
The skin might appear puckered as knots (nodules) of hard tissue begin to form on your palm. These nodules might feel tender to the touch, but they're usually not painful. The thickening of the skin usually happens very slowly.
Dupuytren's contracture is believed to run in families (be hereditary). The exact cause is not known. It may be linked to cigarette smoking, alcoholism, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or medicines used to treat seizures.
Dupuytren nodules have been discovered to contain dense T-cell infiltrates, suggesting it is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disorder.
Dupuytren contracture progresses through three phases: (1) proliferative, (2) involution, and (3) residual.
Dupuytren's contracture does not develop unless you have one of the genes known to cause it. Conditions that can promote the disease in people with one of the genes include diabetes, smoking, use of some anti-epileptic medications, high alcohol intake, high cholesterol, and injury.
Dupuytren's disease is a common clinical finding in those with other medical conditions, and those in otherwise good health. A genetic predilection is generally agreed upon, the condition being more common in those of northern European origin. It becomes more common with age.
Is there a relationship between drinking alcoholic beverages and the chance of having Dupuytren's? This has been debated for years. The answer? Yes, according to the report “Dupuytren's contracture and alcohol” (full text: http://www.dupuytrenfoundation.org/DupPDFs/1986_Bradlow_1148.pdf).
However, in ages 51 to 60 years Dupuytren's contracture was significantly increased in alcoholics when compared to controls. These differences were unrelated to the presence or absence of hepatic cirrhosis. 1. 2.
Collagenase. Injecting a special enzyme, called collagenase, into the hard lumps and cords can soften and weaken them. At a second appointment within the following week, your hand is moved in a way to break up the cords and straighten your finger. This can reduce or even eliminate the contracture for several years.
Overall, Dupuytren is common, affecting ten million Americans and millions more worldwide. Most people with Dupuytren have a mild version.
A number of conditions can affect the hand and wrist, leading to disabling symptoms such as pain and reduced function of the hand. Dupuytren's contracture, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome can have similar symptoms, but they are caused by different factors and may require different treatments.