Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of duputyrens contracture is not known. However certain predisposing factors have been put forth. Any injury or overuse of hand can lead to contractures. Certain diseases like diabetes, seizures can also contribute to the causation. Alcoholism predisposes duputyrens contracture.
Clinical presentation:
The ring and little finger are more commonly affected. Symptoms develop gradually. Flexion of the affected finger is seen. There occurs formation of nodule or a lump on the palm. The overlying skin is hard. On pressure tenderness occurs. It can lead to difficulty in movements.
Investigations:
There is no specific test needed for diagnosing dupuytrens contracture, Symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor will help in confirmation. A local examination of the hand a hard fibrous band is felt.
Treatment:
Pain relieving medications or corticosteroid injections are the first line of treatment. Cases which do not respond to the conservative line of treatment are dealt surgically.
Use of splints for support and physiotherapy exercises are also found to be effective.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body has proved to be effective. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
Recent update:
Needle apnoneruotomy and enzyme injections are certain new techniques of treatment which have been approved for the treatment of dupuytrens contracture.
