Do You Know about Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Upon hearing it for the first time, you might not be familiar with Dupuytren’s contracture, or where in the body it may develop. This condition happens when knots of tissue begin to form under the skin of your palm, which then turn into a thick cord that pulls one or more of your fingers into a bent position.

To give you a clear picture as to what Dupuytren’s contracture can do to your hands, imagine never being able to shake hands properly or place them in your pockets because one of your fingers cannot be straightened permanently.

Are you at risk?

Though the condition might seem unheard of, orthopedic surgeons receive numerous patients every day who seek treatment for this condition. Experts haven’t been able to determine the exact reason why most people develop this condition, yet they believe that Dupuytren’s can be hereditary.

Dupuytren’s is also associated with other health conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy, yet experts haven’t been able to determine a definite link between these conditions. Furthermore, men above 40 years old are found to be more likely to develop Dupuytren’s, while women who do develop this condition tend to have milder symptoms.

As for treatment, patients can either undergo stretching, ultrasound, heat, collagen injection, or collagen injection, depending on the severity of the condition.