If you've never heard of Dupuytren's contracture, you're not alone. But this hand condition is more common than you may think. In fact, around 10 million Americans have it. If you're one of them, you know that Dupuytren's contracture affects the way you bend your fingers and makes it harder to fully open your hand.
Dupuytren's happens when fibrous tissues in the hand become too thick. The thickening tissue forms hard cords or lumps that tighten over time, pulling the fingers toward the palm. And while the condition itself is benign and often painless, it can worsen over time and make it harder to do things like wash your hands, hold large objects or wear gloves.
If you have Dupuytren's, you might notice symptoms like:
• Small lumps or thick cords under the skin on your palm.
• Trouble straightening your fingers, especially your ring finger.
• Skin on your palm that looks swollen, thick or puckered.
• Less often: pain, itching, pressure or burning.
The exact cause of Dupuytren's is unknown, but it seems to run in families. It's also more common in men, people over 40 and those of Northern European descent. You may be at higher risk if you have diabetes, drink alcohol or smoke, perform heavy hand work, or have experienced a hand or wrist injury.
Treatments can help unbend your fingers and make it easier for you to use your hand. They can also slow the condition's progression. But they're not cures. Over time, many people find that the lumps or cords come back.
The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend:
Corticosteroid injections. These injections can reduce inflammation and pain for mild symptoms. They may help keep your symptoms from getting worse.
Collagenase injections. Collagenase helps break down your thickened tissue. For some, it can be as effective as surgery. Your doctor can do the injections in their office.
Aponeurotomy. This procedure involves inserting a small needle into the thickened cords to cut them.
Surgery. In severe cases, a hand surgeon can remove painful nodules and cut or remove thickened cords.
Physical therapy (PT). Your doctor may recommend a Watson Clinic physical therapist after surgery to help your hand get stronger.
Sources: American Society for Surgery of the Hand; Dupuytren Research Group; National Library of Medicine; UpToDate