What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture (also called Dupuytren’s disease) is an abnormal thickening of fascia, a layer of tissue under the skin, in the palm of your hand at the base of your fingers.

This thickened area may develop into a hard lump or thick band. Over time, it can cause one or more fingers to curl (contract), or pull sideways or in toward your palm. The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected. In many cases, it affects both hands. Rarely, feet may also be affected.

Risks

You may be at greater risk for Dupuytren’s contracture if you:

Are older. The condition usually starts in middle age.
Are male. It is more common in men than women.
Have a Scandinavian or Northern European background. It is most common in people whose families come from these regions.
Have a family history. The condition is often found in families, so it may be inherited.
Take seizure medicine. It is linked with some medicines used to treat epileptic seizures.
Smoke or abuse alcohol
Have diabetes

Symptoms

Common symptoms may include:

Not being able to lay your hand flat on a table, palm down (called the tabletop test)
One or more small, tender lumps (nodules) in the palm. Over time, the tenderness usually goes away.
The nodules may thicken and contract or tighten. This can cause thick bands of tissue under the skin in the palm of the hand.
Pits or grooves in the skin compressed by the contracted finger. These areas can become very sore and can lead to skin loss if they don’t heal properly.
Fingers are pulled forward
Your hand is not able to work as well

The symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture may look like other health problems.

Treatments

Treatment as of now in Western Medicine:

Surgery
Steroid injection
Radiation therapy
Enzyme injection

A Solution for the pain

The alternative is acupuncture in the area which has a high success rate without being too invasive. 3-prong acupuncture therapy provides the necessary approach to resolve the contracture. If you have any questions, please reach out for more information and to set up an appointment.