Dupuytren's contracture is a hand deformity that usually develops over years. The condition affects a layer of tissue that lies under the skin of our palm. Knots of tissue form under the skin — eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position.
The affected fingers can't be straightened completely, which can complicate everyday activities such as placing hands in pockets, putting on gloves or shaking hands.
Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb, and occurs most often in older men of Northern European descent. A number of treatments are available to slow the progression of Dupuytren's contracture and relieve symptoms.
Exact cause of Dupuytren's contracture. There is no evidence that hand injuries or occupations that involve vibrations to the hands cause the condition.
Dupuytren's contracture typically progresses slowly, over years. The condition usually begins as a thickening of the skin on the palm of our hand. As it progresses, the skin on palm might appear puckered or dimpled. A firm lump of tissue can form on palm. This lump might be sensitive to the touch but usually isn't painful.
In later stages of Dupuytren's contracture, cords of tissue form under the skin of the palm and can extend up to fingers. As these cords tighten, fingers might be pulled toward palm, sometimes severely.
The two fingers farthest from the thumb are most commonly affected, though the middle finger also can be involved. Only rarely are the thumb and index finger affected. Dupuytren's contracture can occur in both hands, though one hand is usually affected more severely.
A number of factors are believed to increase your risk of the disease, including:
Dupuytren's contracture can make it difficult to perform certain functions using your hand. Since the thumb and index finger aren't usually affected, many people don't have much inconvenience or disability with fine motor activities such as writing. But as Dupuytren's contracture progresses, it can limit your ability to fully open your hand, grasp large objects or to get hand into narrow places.
Silicea : Usful for Dupuytren’s contracture with pain in the contracted tissue cords upon moving the fingers. The affected finger flexes onto the palm.Useful when opening the finger causes intense pain.There is excessive sweating on hand .
Causticum : Useful for later stages of Dupuytren’s contracture. There is severe contractures in hand which leads to bending the fingers towards the palm. Useful when patient is unable to move the affected fingers without the help of the other hand.Also useful when complete deformity of the finger is present. There is drawing and tearing pain felt in hands. Useful when hands and fingers feel icy cold.
Ruta : Useful for Dupuytren’s contracture with nodes on the palms of the hand.There is pain and stiffness in the hands with contracted fingers.
Colocynthis : Useful for Dupuytren’s contracture when pain in the palms is present. There is contraction in the hands and fingers. Useful when there is difficulty to open the finger, and the pain gets worse at rest.
Rhus Tox : Useful for Dupuytren’s contracture that have a history of a hand injury. There is movement of fingers with great difficulty. Useful for aching or drawing pain .There is heat sensation in the palm of the hand.e.t.c