Dupuytren’s Contracture – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Dupuytren contracture affects hand mobility. It causes fingers to bend toward the palm without the ability to fully straighten. This condition develops when tissue knots form beneath the skin.
These knots eventually create thick cords that pull fingers into bent positions. The condition typically worsens over time.
The fourth and fifth fingers (ring and pinky) are most commonly affected. This can make everyday activities challenging, including putting hands in pockets, wearing gloves, and handshakes.
Several treatment options can help:
- Slow progression of the condition
- Relieve symptoms and discomfort
- Improve hand function in daily activities
The condition gradually progresses, with symptoms typically becoming more noticeable and potentially limiting over time.
Symptoms
Dupuytren contracture affects hand mobility. It causes fingers to bend toward the palm without the ability to fully straighten. This condition develops when tissue knots form beneath the skin.
These knots eventually create thick cords that pull fingers into bent positions. The condition typically worsens over time.
The fourth and fifth fingers (ring and pinky) are most commonly affected. This can make everyday activities challenging, including putting hands in pockets, wearing gloves, and handshakes.
Dupuytren contracture affects hand mobility. It causes fingers to bend toward the palm without the ability to fully straighten.
This condition develops when tissue knots form beneath the skin. These knots eventually create thick cords that pull fingers into bent positions. The condition typically worsens over time.
The first sign is usually a firm lump in the palm that may or may not cause pain.
This lump eventually develops into a tough cord beneath the skin that extends up into the finger. As this cord tightens, it pulls the affected finger toward the palm, sometimes creating a severe bend that limits hand function.
Many people experience Dupuytren’s contracture in both hands rather than just one.
Common symptoms include:
- Firm palm lumps
- Thickened skin cords
- Progressive finger bending
- Limited finger straightening
- Decreased hand function
Causes
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes Dupuytren contracture. This condition often appears in multiple family members, suggesting a genetic link. Men develop this condition more frequently than women do.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the chance of developing Dupuytren contracture:
- Age: Most cases appear after age 50.
- Gender: Men develop it more often than women. They typically have more severe symptoms.
- Heritage: People with Northern European ancestry face a higher risk.
- Genetics: The condition often runs in families.
- Work Environment: Using vibrating tools may contribute to development.
- Health Conditions: Diabetes increases the risk.
- Lifestyle Choices: Both smoking and alcohol consumption raise the likelihood of developing the condition.
The combination of these factors can influence both the likelihood of developing the condition and how quickly it progresses. People with multiple risk factors should be particularly attentive to early signs.
