TL;DR:
- Dupuytren's disease causes finger flexion contractures, impairing hand movements and daily activities.
- Causes: Genetic factors, ulnar nerve injuries, microtrauma, wrist stress, and conditions like diabetes, alcoholism, and smoking.
- Symptoms: Pain, tingling, nodules, finger contracture, impaired circulation, and reduced mobility in 3 phases (progressing severity).
- Treatment:
- Early stages: Collagenase injections to dissolve thickened tissue.
- Advanced stages: Surgical cutting of fascia under local anesthesia, enabling better finger mobility.
- Rehabilitation: Begins immediately post-surgery to prevent complications like sensory disturbance or necrosis.
- Exercises: Home exercises include transverse rubbing of painful areas and tendon stretching to maintain mobility.
Dupuytren's disease is an ailment manifested by flexion contracture of the fingers of the hand. This problem is not only an aesthetic defect, but above all, it is a significant impediment when performing daily activities that require precise hand movements. However, Dupuytren's disease can fortunately be combated. At the OT.CO Clinic, we perform a surgical procedure that relieves bothersome symptoms and improves the patient's quality of life.
Dupuytren's disease – causes.
Dupuytren's contracture is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by excessive hypertrophy of the palmar tendon. This phenomenon causes the formation of nodules and bands formed from the tissue on the hands and fingers, which cause contractures of the fingers. As a result, there may be problems with straightening them completely, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Dupuytren's disease Dupuytren's disease most often affects men over 40 and is genetic. However, symptoms can also be the result of pre-existing conditions and microtrauma to the fingers and hands, which causes fibrosis of the tissue. Interestingly, specialists have also noted a link between ulnar nerve injuries and the flexion contracture of the fingers characteristic of Dupuytren's disease. The formation of the condition may additionally be influenced by prolonged work performed with stress on the wrist, as well as diseases and stimulants, such as:
- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,
- alcoholism,
- cigarette smoking.
Dupuytren's contracture – symptoms.
The symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture usually appear simultaneously in both hands, but can take on different degrees of severity. Initially, there is pain in the area of the tendon of the middle finger, which is located on the inside of the hand near the flexion of the fingers. This discomfort makes it difficult to perform daily precision activities. With time, the mobility of the fingers is gradually reduced, resulting in problems with grasping objects. Symptoms characteristic of Dupuytren's contracture also include tingling of the hands, increased sweating and cool hands, which is the result of impaired circulation. The following symptoms can generally be divided into 3 phases. Initially, the patient experiences tingling and initial pain in the hands and fingers. Then there is an overgrowth of the tendon in the form of palpable thickenings and nodules. There is also the first slight contracture when stretching the hands. Over time, the ailment perpetuates, making it noticeably more difficult to function on a daily basis and perform precise activities. Fortunately, these symptoms can be stopped with proper treatment.
Dupuytren's contracture – surgical operation.
Patients suffering from Dupuytren's contracture are treated with either medication or surgery. The first method involves the subcutaneous administration of the enzyme collagenase, which dissolves strands of unpleasant-causing, thickened tissue. This treatment is used for patients in the early stages of the disease. Surgical treatment, on the other hand, is performed in patients with a significant stage of the disease, when the discomfort experienced makes daily functioning difficult. The essence of the procedure is to surgically cut the fascias that block the physiological bending of the fingers. The operation is not complicated and is performed under local anesthesia, and thanks to its low invasiveness, the patient can recover quickly, provided that properly selected physiotherapy is started.
Dupuytren's disease – rehabilitation
For satisfactory results of the surgery, rehabilitation under the guidance of a specialist should begin immediately after the procedure. With exercises should not wait until the wound has healed, because starting rehabilitation too late can lead to sensory disturbances in the hand, and sometimes even necrosis. This stage of treatment should therefore not be neglected.
Dupuytren's disease – exercises.
During a meeting with a physiotherapist, the patient is also given instructions on how to exercise on his own in the comfort of his own home. This process is as important as rehabilitation under the guidance of a specialist. Daily transverse rubbing of areas showing painful symptoms is recommended. Regular stretching of the contracted tendon is also important.
Conclusion
Dupuytren's disease limits hand movement and disrupts daily tasks. It has clear causes, from genetics to lifestyle factors, and progresses through distinct, worsening symptoms. Fortunately, treatment options like surgery at OT.CO Clinic can restore function. Combined with timely rehabilitation and exercises, most patients regain control and improve their quality of life. Addressing this condition early ensures the best outcome. Don't let Dupuytren's disease dictate your daily life—effective solutions are within reach.
