Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Fixable?
The great news for anyone suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture is that it is fixable. The disease is usually treated with an operation. A surgeon will remove the hardened tissue in the hand, allowing a return to regular motion in the affected finger. The recovery period can be several months from a Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery; this may include physiotherapy. The incision that is made leaves a zigzag-shaped scar and is susceptible to infection. Many patients who have been through the surgery have complained of itching and irritation during recovery. There is also a chance of nerve or tendon damage being caused during the surgery.
Dupuytren’s Contracture is also treatable with a procedure known as needle aponeurotomy. Unlike surgery, there is no incision required; instead, the needle is inserted into the skin and then wiggled around to loosen the hardened tissue. Once the hardened tissue has been loosened, the finger moves freely. Needle aponeurotomy has some potential side effects, including pain from the procedure, nerve damage, tingling sensation in the fingers, numbness throughout the hand and fingers, and tendon damage. There is also a chance of bleeding, itching, and irritation at the site of the needle’s entry.
Doctors will sometimes prescribe a steroid injection for Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment. This treatment is effective in reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. Steroid injections are only temporary and will not eliminate the condition. When a steroid injection is used, there is the potential for inflammation and itching at the injection site. The patient may also have side welded at from the steroids, such as heightened heart rate, headaches, fatigue, and fluid retention.
A splint or brace can be used to treat Dupuytren’s disease. By keeping the finger in a straightened position, the splint will encourage better blood flow and improved circulation. The problem with a splint or brace is they are cumbersome and make use of the affected hand difficult. The splint can also cause pain when being worn. Rashes have been caused by wearing a splint for an extended period of time.
The most effective nonsurgical treatment for dupuytren’s contracture on the market is a combination of the Dupuytrens jelly, Dupuytrens wand, and Dupuytren’s tape. The Dupuytrens jelly is used to prime the hand for the use of the wand. The Dupuytrens wand is used to massage the affected hand; this promotes better blood circulation and breaks down the hardened tissue in the hand. The Dupuytrens tape is then used to keep the finger straight. Unlike splints or braces, the tape can be worn all day long and won’t interfere with daily activities. The tape is lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable. These three must-have Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment options are found at Dupuytrencure. Not only are they straightforward to use, but they are also inexpensive and begin working after only one use.
How do you get Dupuytren’s Contracture?
There is actually no cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture. The disease is hereditary and passed down from generation to generation. You will find it mostly in Caucasians, specifically those with a Northern European background.
Although there is no proven cause of the disease, some ailments can trigger the symptoms. People living with diabetes are more prone to the condition than those who suffer from liver disease. Patients with thyroid problems are also more likely to suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture. The medication that is taken for epilepsy and other seizure based illnesses also increases the chances of getting Vikings disease, another name for Dupuytren’s Contracture.
A chemical imbalance in the body can agitate the disease. Consumption of alcohol regularly can set off the condition. Those who smoke cigarettes periodically tend to suffer from Dupuytren’s Disease. The nicotine in cigarettes aggravates the symptoms of the disease. Although not smoking or drinking will not stop you from getting Dupuytren’s Contracture, it will slow the development of the symptoms.
Previous trauma is known to onset Dupuytren’s Contracture. There is no concrete evidence of this, but many cases have been confirmed.
Dupuytren’s Contracture History
Dupuytren’s Contracture was first discovered by Swiss doctor Felix Platter back in the 1600’s. It was then named after Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, the French surgeon who gave a world-famous lecture on retracted fingers in 1831. There are several tales about Dupuytren’s Contracture; one such legend is from the British Isles, where it is said the disease originates from a curse.
The MacCrimmons Curse was placed on the bagpiping family, the MacCrimmons. When a MacCrimmon woman Annag gave away the piping secrets to her MacPherson lover, a curse was put on all MacCrimmon men. The MaCcrimmon men could no longer play the bagpipes as their fingers bent unnaturally into the palm of their hands. There are other versions of the MacCrimmons Curse tale; no matter which one you believe or not, it is clear that the condition affected men in the clan and their ancestors.
Research contributions credited to Sadia shahid MA Industrial Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad; Fatima Nasir MA healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad; Dr. Madiha Khalid Clinical Pharmacist, M. Phill. clinical pharmacy Pakistan, Jeremy Madvin, MBA International Business, University of Redlands, Redlands, Ca.
