Dupuytren’s Contracture – Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Dupuytren’s contracture is characterized by the curling of the finger resulting from Dupuytren’s disease. It is an uncomfortable health ailment that can make one challenging to do daily activities. The conditions happen due to the fingers bending towards the center of the palm, making it impossible to even simply grab things. The Dupuytren disease’s exact cause is unknown, but it is more likely to be genetic.
What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture affects the palms of the hands and fingers. The hand is made of fascia, the fibrous tissues that cover the nerves, tendons, muscles, and blood vessels. In certain situations, the fascia thickens and tightens under the palm, generating cords that are often overlooked for tendons.
Unlike a tendon that is moved by muscles that have shortened and lengthened, the cord tissues are attached to a muscle, unable to move. It usually affects the third and four fingers. However, healthy lifestyle strategies can aid in managing the condition, especially in its mild stage.
Causes
Even though the cause of the condition is unknown and it tends to gradually develop in its progression over time. Some of the risk factors include genetics or hereditary diseases and underlying conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and vascular diseases. Men usually have more potential symptoms than women. Chances of this condition increase with age and is more common in people over the age of 40 years.
Symptoms
If you are affected by this condition, you will first experience difficulty placing the hand flat on a surface or fully opening your palm. Nonetheless, the symptoms are not painful but will make using the fingers harder. The common signs and symptoms include
Dimples and Pitted marks
Thickened skin
Bent fingers that can be permanent
Formation of nodules or painful lumps
Reduced grip strength
Poor Flexibility
Thick bands from under the skin of fingers
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this condition. If the symptoms are not serious, treatment is not required. The treatment plan depends on their discomfort level and how it affects their daily life.
However, there are countless other Duputryren treatments, including lifestyle and home remedies to improve the movement of your finger. The ultimate goal of this Dupuytren treatment is to improve the function and movement of the affected fingers.
Stretching
Several exercises and stretches can reduce or stop the disorder’s progression. Some of them are
Palm raises
Place your fingers on a flat surface and then raise and lower only your palm alone. Hold the position for a long time after each lift and ensure to pause for a few seconds.
Finger lifts
While the palm is resting on a smooth surface, lift each of your fingers.
Hand press
In this exercise, place your hands together like you were praying, and push the palms and fingers together.
Change the Meal Plan
The food of choice helps you deal with the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease. While changing the type of nutritional regime is difficult, you may find it hard at first. However, taking necessary actions will control the portion of your daily meals. Also, eat more anti-inflammatory foods, reduce fat consumption and try eating fresh and whole foods.
Get a Massage
Use the unaffected or healthy hand to steadily massage your palm and fingers, or you can ask someone else to do the massage. Massage is one of the effective and great pain-relief methods for Dupuytren’s disease. Make sure to use these oils, lotions, and other items.
Don’t Stress the Hands
When consistently aggravated, the skin of the palm will create more nodules. Protecting the hands and relieving the pressure occasionally will help relieve the symptoms. Ensure to wear gloves while gripping or grasping objects such as shopping baskets. The condition is harder to treat if the skin is tender and irritated. In addition, you can also incorporate temperature therapy.
Implementing small steps such as following a healthy meal plan and regular physical activities will lower the oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Ultimately these natural Dupuytren treatment plans will help anyone to avoid surgery and have a critical role in maintaining long-term health.
Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when the tissues under the palm thicken, pulling at least one finger towards the middle of the hand. Incorporating these effective lifestyles and home remedies into your daily life can relieve the pain of Dupuytren’s disease, which is short-lived. Nonetheless, the plan should be implemented early in the condition to make a difference. If you find the symptoms severe, ensure to seek professional advice and find the suitable Dupuytren’s treatment to manage your symptoms.