DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE

ABOUT DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE

Dupuytren’s disease or Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition affecting the fingers and palm of the hand. Tissues inside the hand, which are normally stretchy, begin to thicken and contract which causes the finger, or fingers, to curl in towards the palm. This happens gradually over time and there isn’t a cure. We can treat Dupuytren’s Disease in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.

Dupuytren’s disease mostly affects the little or ring fingers of the hand and affects more men than women. The exact cause isn’t known but it is not caused by overuse or an injury as osteoarthritis can be. Studies have linked Dupuytren’s disease with a family history of the condition, alcohol consumption, diabetes, smoking and certain epilepsy medication.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE?

Dupuytren’s is mainly characterised by the curling of the fingers towards the palm but other signs of the disease include:

• Lumps or nodules under the under of your palm which may be tender

• Difficulty straightening your fingers

• Cannot place your hands down flat, such as on a table

• Problems using your hands for everyday activities

Dupuytren’s contracture usually occurs in both hands but one hand is often worse than the other.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

A physical examination of the wrists and hands is used to diagnose the condition. Mild cases of Dupuytren’s disease with a slow to progress are often left untreated. Injection therapy is an option if the condition worsens or if hand function is more affected:

• Cortisone injections to relieve pain and reduce inflammation

• Collagenase injections to break down the thickened tissues

Surgery is a last resort for Duyupren’s contracture. Surgical options include removing or separating the thickened bands of tissues either through surgical cuts or by using needles. Depending on the type of surgery, recovery from a hand operation can take several weeks and is likely to include several months of physiotherapy. Book your treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.