So, you found a very unusual looking lump on your hand and have no idea what it is. You feel like your finger is being pulled towards the center of your palm, and no matter how hard you try to bend your finger straight, you can’t seem to straighten it out. The chances are you are suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture and should start treatment as quickly as possible. Dupuytren’s Contracture is a progressive ailment and is known to worsen with time. The condition normally affects the ring and little finger but is not limited to them. You are not alone in suffering from the condition; in fact, there are over 200,000 cases reported in the United States every year. As the number of cases seems to rise annually, finding a treatment that works has been very hard to come by. We have put together all you will need to know about Dupuytren’s Contracture and a list of the most effective treatments available.
What causes Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Anyone thing does not cause Dupuytren’s Contracture; what is known is the condition is hereditary. People with Northern European roots are the most likely to suffer from the ailment. The spread of Dupuytren’s Contracture can be dated back to the Vikings, who were known to have been stricken with the condition. The Vikings spread the disease throughout Northern Europe as they traveled through the region. Dupuytren’s Contracture is also known as Vikings Disease for this reason. The Vikings even spread the condition to the British Isles, with Dupuytren’s Contracture being known as Celtic Hand in this area of the world. The disease was common in archers and blacksmiths throughout the United Kingdom and was known to affect entire family lines in these professions.
Individual lifestyle choices can also trigger Dupuytren’s Contracture. Those who smoke cigarettes regularly have been known to suffer from the condition more than a non-smoker. There are also more cases in people who drink alcohol regularly, especially those who drink hard liquor. It is understood that nicotine and alcohol cause the disease’s symptoms to develop more rapidly and, in some cases, more aggressively.
People who are living with diabetes will often suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture, as do those with epilepsy. You are also more likely to contract the condition if you are suffering from thyroid problems and liver disease. Men are more likely to contract the ailment than a woman. Although you can get Dupuytren’s Contracture at any age, it is sporadic in people under 18 and extremely common in those over the age of 60.
How do you treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?
The most common treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is surgery. The surgery involves a zigzag incision in the area of the ailment. Once the incision is made, the infected tissue is removed, and the open wound is stitched up. The operation does come with some risks; these include potential nerve and tendon damage. Other side effects include pain from the surgery, bleeding, itching, and an unsightly scar. The recovery of the surgery is timely and will involve physiotherapy.
The best non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is the use of a Dupuytren’s wand in conjunction with the Dupuytren’s tape. The wand is used to massage the affected finger; this will help to reduce inflammation and swelling. The massaging will also breakdown the hardened nodule on the hand while also improving the blood flow to the area. The tape is then used to keep the finger straight and to encourage the finger to remain normal. The combination is proven to correct the condition, and when used together, the wand and tape start to work immediately. These items can be found at dupuytrencure
Another non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is a steroid injection. The steroid injection will help to ease pain and lower inflammation. Steroid injections do come with some risks of their own. The hazards include pain at the sight of the injection, bleeding, itching, and swelling in some instances. A collagenase injection to break down collagen is also common; it can be effective as long as the patient doesn’t have an allergic reaction. The injection has the same side effects as the steroid injection.
Needle aponeurotomy is also a non surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture. This involves the use of a needle to release tightened cords in the affected hand. No incision is required for this procedure, but there are still side effects. Side effects can be anything from tendon and nerve damage, as well as numbness and tingling in the fingers.
No matter how far along your ailment is, the best non surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is the Dupuytren’s wand and tape. Not only have they been proven to be extremely effective in reducing the symptoms associated with the disease, but it is also extremely cost-effective and effortless to use.
