Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Dupuytren’s contracture is a painless condition that affects the hand, causing one or more fingers to bend toward the palm. As the condition progresses, the affected fingers cannot straighten completely, leading to a claw-like appearance.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture:

Nodule or Lump: A lump or nodule appears on the palm, typically near the base of the ring or little finger.
Thickened Cord: A thickened cord may develop along the palm leading to the fingers.
Clawed Fingers: Over time, the affected fingers may become clawed as they are pulled toward the palm.
Bowed Hand: The overall shape of the hand may become bowed.
Complete Flexion: In advanced stages, the fingers can be completely pulled against the palm.
Skin Changes: The skin on the palm may appear dimpled and puckered.
Minimal Pain: Dupuytren’s contracture is typically painless.

Causes of Dupuytren’s Contracture:

Age: This condition is more prevalent in middle to later years of life.
Gender: Males are three times more likely to develop Dupuytren’s contracture and often experience more severe symptoms.
Ancestry: Individuals with Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Medical Conditions: People with diabetes and epilepsy have a higher incidence of Dupuytren’s contracture, while those with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a lower incidence.
Alcoholism: The condition tends to be more common and severe in individuals with a history of alcoholism.

Treatment and Management:

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals manage the challenges associated with Dupuytren’s contracture. They are skilled at addressing functional limitations that may arise, such as difficulties with daily activities. Treatment strategies include:

Adaptive Techniques: Teaching patients how to adapt their daily tasks to cope with reduced hand function.
Assistive Devices: Introducing assistive devices to enhance functional abilities. For example, specialized equipment can help patients open jars or manipulate objects despite contractures.
Therapeutic Exercises: Providing exercises to maintain hand mobility and strength.

For patients in the later stages of Dupuytren’s contracture, occupational therapy can focus on developing adaptive techniques and using assistive devices to improve daily living skills. If you or someone you know is struggling with Dupuytren’s contracture, consider consulting an occupational therapist for a personalized treatment plan to enhance your quality of life.

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What is Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information in children. Those with SPD may exhibit heightened sensitivity to sensory input or may not respond to it at all, leading to challenges in

Down Syndrome: Understanding Its Causes, Characteristics, and the Role of Therapies in Enhancing Ind

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal cell division that results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material leads to developmental differences and distinct physical features associated with Down syn

Lymphedema: An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Strategies

Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals.

Understanding Balance Disorder

A balance disorder is a condition that affects your ability to stay steady and can make you feel dizzy or unsteady. Whether you’re standing, sitting, or lying down, you may feel as though you're moving, spinning, or floating. When walking, you might experi

Understanding Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by a productive cough that persists for at least three months, with recurring episodes occurring over two consecutive years. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requir

Rehabilitation After Amputation

Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves removing all or part of a limb or extremity. It may be necessary due to a severe injury, infection, or health conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).