If you believe you have Dupuytren’s contracture or another upper extremity issue, contact us at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow to schedule a consultation. Our specialists in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia will work with you to figure out the right treatment plan.
Risk Factors That May Cause Dupuytren’s Contracture
There are a variety of risk factors that may cause this Dupuytren’s contracture, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Excessive consumption of alcohol/nicotine
If you’re experiencing difficulty extending one or more fingers, be sure to contact a specialist.
Who Does Dupuytren’s Disease Most Commonly Affect?
While Dupuytren’s disease is most common in males over the age of fifty and of Northern European descent, women and children can also develop the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Disease?
The symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease often begin with the development of nodules under the skin in the palm. As Dupuytren’s contracture progresses, the nodules form chords that constrict the movement of fingers. Your ring and little fingers are the most commonly affected.
If you’re having trouble extending your pinky and ring finger or feel thick tissue forming in your palm, it’s best to seek medical assistance, as Dupuytren’s contracture can be confused with trigger finger.
Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Here you’ll find a list of some of the specific symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture:
- Nodules in the palm
- Thickening of the skin on the palm
- Constriction of the affected fingers toward your wrist
- Difficulty extending fingers upward
- Little to no pain in the affected finger
- You find it difficult to grasp large objects
- Your fingers may be stuck in the bent position, limiting their ability to function properly
How Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Evaluated?
Each evaluation for the above syndromes should start with a thorough medical history. Informing your specialist of any family history of Dupuytren’s contracture, radial tunnel syndrome, or cubital tunnel syndrome may make it easier for them to make a diagnosis.
Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area. The examination may include asking you to put your arm in different positions and describing your pain levels.
In the case of suspected Dupuytren contracture, an ultrasound will be used to look for tissue that has thickened in your palm. Sometimes, the specialist will order an X-ray to rule out arthritis or other causes.
Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Disease
Treatment options for Dupuytren’s disease will vary, depending on your diagnosis. For early-onset Dupuytren’s, your doctor may recommend a regimen of physical therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture. Splinting the hand can also help to stretch the affected fingers.
For more severe cases, an injection or surgery may be necessary. Surgery entails the removal of the thickened tissue and increases the range of motion.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for Dupuytren’s syndrome. Therefore, surgical intervention patients will need continuing treatment even after the tissue is gone.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms we addressed in this article, there’s a solution waiting for you. Contact us at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow to start your path to recovery.
