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Dupuytren’s Contracture

Introduction
Dupuytren’s contracture (DC) is one of the most common diseases of the hands. Contracture term is used to indicate that this disease is related to some kind of contraction function. It is a progressive disease and its duration is not known exactly. It may develop slowly in some people and faster in others. It can equally affect on all the fingers of a hand. One hand or both the hands can be affected at the same time. The symptoms are some times so mild that they remain unnoticed. The tissues in our palms and feet are thickened in this disease. The functioning and working of hands is poorly affected in DC. It can result in deformity too. It was first discovered by a surgeon named Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, he was the one who made important surgery to treat this disease. The course of the disease can be very mild such that it is hardly noticed and it could be very severe resulting in crippling of the sufferer.

Alternative Names
There is no alternative name for Dupuytren’s contracture.

Causes
Dupuytren’s contracture disease is not revealed completely as yet. The causes remain unknown but there are some assumptions regarding its causes. The cause can be hereditary transfer of DC characteristics. Genetics can be a cause in resulting DC. The cause is difficult to tell but minor trauma can be a factor contributing to the cause. Diabetes, epilepsy and alcoholism can result in Dupuytren’s contracture. Other kind of liver diseases and tuberculosis can be a contributing factor too. If this happens in feet the person may even not be able to walk because of the stiffness of the under layer of the foot sole. In this way, the Dupuytren’s contracture disease if not treated properly can result as a crippling disease. Smoking can worsen the condition.

Risk Factors
  • Celtic races are at risk.
  • People after their 40’s are more susceptible to develop Dupuytren’s contracture.
  • Men are seen to be more affected than women.
  • People who have it in their families are more prone to Dupuytren’s contracture.


Symptoms & Signs
  • The tissues become tense and firm and it becomes difficult for the patient to straighten the fingers.
  • The flexibility of the fingers decreases and eventually can be lost.
  • The fingers fold in side the palm.
  • Fingers can not be straightened.
  • Nodules appear in the palm but they are usually painful.
  • Facial bands may be thickened.
  • The patient is unable to stretch his hand.
  • The surface of the hand becomes harder.
  • Movement of the fingers decreases.


Diagnosis
The doctor can detect the disease by the help of symptoms and which may indicate that the motor nerve cells are damaged. A physical examination can indicate the presence of Dupuytren’s contracture.

Prevention
  • The disease if diagnosed at early stages can save the patient from severe effects.
  • Especially people who have Dupuytren’s contracture running in their families should take all the possible prevention against it.
  • People who drink alcohol quite often should try to quit this habit at their earliest.


Treatment
The treatment includes medication which can stimulate the motor nerve cells of the affected area. Mild exercises can help in this regard. Surgery can be done in order to restore the normal functions of the digits of hands and feet. The first surgery of Dupuytren’s contracture was done in early 1800’s. Surgery is supposed to be a very effective treatment of the disease. The chances of complete succession are about 95%. Physiotherapy is also used to treat the contraction of the tissues.

Other Natural Supplements
  • DMSO


Dietary Guidelines
  • Eat a well balanced and nutritional diet.
  • Include all vegetables and fruits in your routine diet.
  • Have more vitamin E in your diet.
  • Drink proper amount of water and fruit juices are also of strong value.
  • Use of alcohol should be avoided.


Home Care Suggestions
All people around the patient, the family, the doctor should encourage the patient to carry out normal life activities. Mild exercises under supervision of a fitness instructor can be beneficial in helping the patient.

Mind/Body Considerations
The person should be assured that he will recover on his will power. Will is a very important factor while recovering from any disease.

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