In our day-to-day activities, we use our hands in lots of activities like picking up an object (for example – A phone), handling a tool, etc. There is a disease called Dupuytren’s contracture or Dupuytren’s disease or palmar fasciitis which can affect the palm and the ring and little finger. What is Dupuytren’s contracture? What are the Dupuytren’s contracture exercises which you can do at home to treat it?
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Dupuytren’s contracture
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
It is a painless thickening of the fascia, and contraction of the palmar fascia(aponeurosis).
- In this case, Nodules develop along the longitudinal tension lines.
- We characterized it by the development of nodules in the palmar and digital fascia.
- we named it after Baron Guillaume Dupuytren.
- Viking disease
Dupuytren’s contracture ICD 10
M72.0 Palmar fascial fibromatosis (Dupuytren)
Essentials of diagnosis
It is classified into three biological stages.
- The first stage (proliferative stage): Intense proliferation of myofibroblasts and formation of nodules.
- The second stage (involutional stage): is represented by the alignment of the fibroblasts along the line of tension.
- Third stage ( residual stage ): tissue become mostly cellular and devoid of myofibroblast, only thick bands of collagen remains.
General consideration
- It is not associated with trauma but can develop after surgery.
- The etiology is unknown and it can possibly be autoimmune.
- It is usually bilateral with one side more severely affected.
- Retraction of skin leads to skin changes, creating dimples or pits.
- Early stages are based on palpable nodules, characteristics of skin changes, changes in fascia, and progressive joint contracture.
Demographics
- It is generally associated with family history.
- Rare with children
- Females develop less severe cases.
- Men are 7 to 15 times more likely than women to require surgery.
Clinical findings
- In this case, you will find the fascia of the hand becomes thickened and shortened.
- Contracture forms at metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and occasionally distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.
- The fifth finger is involved in 70% of the cases.
Functional implications
- A patient will find it difficult to open his hand or extend his fingers fully.
- This will also limit his ability to shake hands.
Possible contributing causes
- Epilepsy
- Alcoholism
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Smoking may decrease the vascular changes in the hands.
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis or liver disease
- Effect androgen receptors in males
Dupuytren’s contracture exercises
Exercises do help in Dupuytren’s contracture and there are a lot of exercises that you can perform to manage Dupuytren’s contracture. Exercises may not help in stopping or slowing down the progression of the problem but it is a good option during the early stages of Dupuytren’s contracture.
Finger spreads
In this exercise, after placing your palm flat on the surface, you need to stretch your fingers by spreading them as much as you can and then bring them together.
Finger lift
In this exercise, put your palm flat on a flat surface like a desk or table. After this, raise one of the fingers at a time and hold it for a few seconds and then lower it down. Jump onto the adjacent finger and do this exercise with all the fingers (one at a time).
Palm raises
In this exercise, you need to keep your fingers stable on the flat surface while raising and lowering your palm.
Hand press
This exercise requires a unique style of exercising. Put your hands in the prayer position and then push the palm and fingers towards each other.
Finger bends
Lastly in this exercise, you need to hold your hands in front of you, bending the first two joints of the fingers down and then straightening them.
Massage
Massage is really a good option to consider in this situation. You can do the massage treatment on your own or you can ask for help from any of your family members.
Massage gently on all the necessary areas around the contracture and use a lubricant in this process like oil or talcum.
In short, This treatment can help in this disease. For more info or massage techniques, go to this link below
massage techniques: everything you need to know
If you have any queries regarding this article, please tell me in the comments below.