Your body can be a host to different kinds of illnesses, depending on how you care for your body and other internal and external factors. However, the most common instigator for illnesses is a weaker and older body.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease that affects a person’s fibrous layer of tissue beneath their skin. Through thickening, the layer of tissue pulls the fingers inward and compromises mobility and agility with the hand. Although this condition progresses slowly for years to decades, people who develop it are usually men over the age of 50. This makes it a concerning issue, especially for people reaching their retirement years.
How Do You Get Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is classified as a hand deformity that causes knots of tissue to form under a person’s skin. It’s a form of arthritis that specifically develops around the nodules in the fingers and palms. A person with this condition will have their fingers pulled inward into a bent position, depending on the severity of the progressive illness.
A person primarily with a Scandinavian or European background will most likely develop this condition due to genetic variables. However, a person without these genetic traits can still develop it if they have type 2 diabetes or take substances that can cause it. These harmful substances include alcohol, alcohol, and some seizure medication.
How Dangerous Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Although Dupuytren’s contracture is not a fatal disease, having it leads to significant complications to a person’s ability to use their hand. Since it’s a form of arthritis, a person can develop it due to their genetic background and lifestyle choices.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a functional disability that prevents your fine motor skills. Thankfully, it rarely affects your index and middle fingers, so a person can still maintain their writing ability even with this condition.
Sometimes, a person can develop a similar form of arthritis in their feet. This is known as Ledderhose disease. Another similar condition is Peyronie’s disease which refers to involuntary contracture of the penis.
How Do You Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Unfortunately, there’s no exact cure to Dupuytren’s contracture. This is because some mild cases will require no treatment and lead to an eventual natural recovery. However, there’s still a good chance that you could have a severe case, depending on your physiology.
The remedy for these severe cases will vary, from a combination of radiotherapy, splinting, and even therapeutic massage. While it’s possible to slow down the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture, the most effective solution points to steroid injections and radiotherapy. If these two treatments aren’t enough, you’ll need to receive more drastic methods.
A moderate to severe diagnosis of Dupuytren’s contracture may require an open fasciectomy surgery or percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA). A patient may also receive injections containing collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) to improve hand mobility and reverse the contracture. Although surgery shows more promising results, patients usually lean toward PNA or CCH injections.
Conclusion
While the treatment options above show significant results for recovery, it’s important to consider that the disease may recur, regardless of the treatment method. This is why it’s vital to consult with a specialist to seek the best possible solution for your condition. Thankfully, you can seek professional services for your particular case.
At North Florida Hand & Wrist, our team of medical experts can diagnose your ailment and provide the proper solution you need. If you need a hand and wrist specialist to diagnose your condition of Dupuytren contracture, contact us today!
