This post is about Dupuytren's contracture:
Dupuytren's contracture is when one or more fingers bend in towards your palm. There's no cure, but your fingers can be straightened with surgery if it's severe.
Symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. It's common to have it in both hands at the same time.
It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.
It's not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.
Dupuytren's contracture happens when the tissue under the skin near your fingers becomes thicker and less flexible.
The exact cause is unknown, but it's been linked to:
The exact cause is unknown, but it's been linked to:
- having a family history of the condition
- smoking
- drinking lots of alcohol
- having diabetes or epilepsy
"Adapted from BMJ 24 Feb 2024
A randomised controlled trial by Mikko Raisanen in Finland compared treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture.
This condition is common in those of Viking ancestry. Famous afflicted people include Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Frank Sinatra, actor Bill Nighy and Banjo Player Joe Bonsall.
Thickening and tightening of the tendons in the palms of the hands occurs. Progression is usually slow, but as the pinky finger and others become unable to extend, it can cause real difficulty in dressing and holding objects.
Three treatments were compared: surgery, needle fasciotomy and collagenase injections.
At the three month point, all seemed equally successful with 70% improved considerably, but after two years, surgery was 78% effective compared to 50% and 65% respectively.
Diabetics are prone to this condition too, as tendon glycation worsens the problem."
Read more about 'How Diabetes Can Lead To Tendon Damage' here
Had you heard of Dupuytren’s contracture? Perhaps you have a family member with it?
Please be aware
Articles / studies within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor/local health care provider.All the best Jan
29 comments:
This looks painful, Jan! First I have heard of this. Thank you so much for sharing about it.
REPLY TO Linda's Relaxing Lair ...
Hello Linda, yes although it does look painful it's not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.
All the best Jan
A friend of mine had that and did have the surgery. She said it was an easy surgery and it took care of the issue.
I suffer from Dupuytren's contracture, although my fingers have not drawn at this stage. I knew it was from a Viking heritage. Similarly, I have undergone Trigger thumb surgery on my right hand and now facing treatment on my left thumb. I was a horse rider for many years, and I have often wondered if holding the reigns had anything to do with either conditions.
Thank you for sharing this information, it enlightened my view on the conditions.
Jo
It's not fun having issues with our fingers.
...this is new to me.
Both my father and my brother have Dupuytren's contracture. My father has had surgery and I expect my brother will, too.
Interesting. I'd never heard of this before. X
I'm reading more and more about how diabetes affects the body...
. I didn't know that, thanks for the information!
I have a mild case of Dupuytren's but as it isn't painful and so far hasn't kept me from doing all the things I want to do I don't plan on having surgery.
One of those nuisance things fixed by surgery.
It became more well known when Margaret Thatcher had surgery for it. My cousin had successful surgery twice.
Interesting to hear surgery is actually a good long term solution
I knew Bill Nighy has that. I didn't know there were remedies for it.
Never heard of that before Jan. And never noticed anyone with it.
Hello Jan,
I have never heard of Dupuytren's. Thanks for sharing the info.
Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!
That has to be so painful. Thank you for sharing about it, Jan.
REPLY TO Joyful in His Presence ... Dianna
Hello Dianna, yes although it does look painful it's not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.
All the best Jan
Glad surgery is a good option
I've a friend who has had pretty good luck with the surgery, although it did "come back" and he did it again.
I've see this advertised on television with alternate therapies besides surgery.
That would challenging to a banjo player!
I didn't know about this condition.
I've never heard of it before.
Interesting, I've never heard of that.
I have never heard of that, thanks for the info, if my hubby ever has problems I will know what it may be
Very good post. Lots of information. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this information. I knew nothing about Dupuytrens before.
Mi padre lo tuvo, lo operaron y todo salió muy bien. Besos.
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