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Use Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper to measure bent fingers

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Successful Dupuytren treatment demands that you know the exact limit of your hand contraction each step of the way

The Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper is a requirement for good results with self-directed Dupuytren treatment.  You must know how much your hand is contracted and finger movement is limited in order to guide your therapy plan to a successful conclusion.  Otherwise you are only guessing about your hand contracture, and that does not help you regain full use of your hand.

People are wrong to only pay attention to the obvious palm lumps and finger cords of their Dupuytrens contracture.  The Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper makes it easy to know exactly how much their finger contracture is affecting hand movement and flexibility.

Dupuytren Contracture Institute Calipers to measure hand contracture and bent fingers
DCI caliper is an essential tool to guide Dupuytren treatment

The DCI caliper with built-in measurement scale will help you easily and accurately determine reduced finger and hand movement caused by Dupuytrens disease. With it you will document how far your finger contraction is kept flexed toward the palm or wrist, as well as the other important measurement of how far your palm is kept from flattening against a table top or other flat surface.  These two numbers are essential baseline measurements to determine progress, or lack of progress, of your self-directed Alternative Medicine Dupuytrens treatment.

If you do not know the true state of your bent finger and hand contracture at the start of care you will never know exactly how much improvement you have made, or if you have made any at all.  You must know if you are making actual progress over your Dupuytren hand problem because this information will tell you if and when to change your treatment or perhaps not change it at all.

Many people think, “I’m not stupid. I will know if my finger is improving.  I do not need to measure.”  But they find after a few weeks of treatment they are totally unsure if the progress they think they have made is real or just a hopeful product of their imagination.  Armed with this valuable information you will know if and when to change a treatment plan that is not working, or to keep following a treatment plan that it is working.  Either way, for best treatment results you must not guess about any of this.

Order Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper  

Using the DCI caliper to measure contracture of the hand:

  1. The caliper is tightened or loosened by using the large plastic knob at the pivot in the middle. The caliper has two pairs of “legs.”  The “inside legs” are used to measure the inner distance of a closed surface, and the “outside legs” are used to measure an outside surface.  The inside legs of the caliper are straight but bent only at the very tips to look like the letters “J” and “L.”   The outside legs are rounded to look like big pincers or the letter “C.”   To measure with either the inner or outer legs the caliper must be positioned so the straight legs are crossed over each other and the curved millimeter (mm) scale to provide a distance reading, just as you see it in the picture, above.
  2. Adjust the large plastic knob in the center of the caliper so the legs move with moderate resistance; this assures your measurements are accurate.  The knob must be loose enough that the legs move with some ease, but tight enough that they do not move once you put them in position.
  3. Each line on the curved scale represents 2 millimeters (mm).  The scale ranges from 0 to 200mm.
  4. Position the tips of the straight inside legs so the “J” and “L” touch each other. Notice that the edge of the moveable leg touches the “O” on the mm scale, meaning no millimeters. When the tips of the inner legs are 50mm apart the tips of the outer legs are also 50mm apart.
  5. Either half of the caliper – the “inside legs” or the “outside legs” – can be used to document improvement of your limited finger and hand movement.  Use either side or pair of legs that is more comfortable or whichever one works best for your circumstance since the measurement will be the same.

Marking hand and fingers for measurement

Each time the hand is measured the same pair of reference points must be used, and the information must be written down for later comparison using the “Caliper Hand Measurement Chart” you received with your DCI Hand Caliper.

It is best to use naturally occurring landmarks on the fingers, palm or wrist of your hands if they are small enough to make a precise measurement, and if you will be able to easily find the same landmark each time you use the caliper for hand and finger measurements.

Locate a small and easily recognized natural landmark on the involved finger and hand.  These two points should be obvious and easily located each time you measure your progress. Carefully place a dot precisely at the point you wish to use each time you measure. Using large dots or different point locations make inaccurate readings that cannot be compared over time, and this does not help you to know if you are progressing or not.

  1. When taking measurements for the first time write notes or make a quick drawing of the local area that explains each point location in a way that is easy for you to understand and duplicate.  For easy reference, write the notes that describe the points you are using on your “Caliper Hand Measurement Chart.
  2. Mark you skin with a fine felt tip or ballpoint pen to clearly identify the exact points you will use each time to make your measurements.
  3. Examples of natural landmarks on your fingers, hands or wrists that will increase the speed and accuracy of your measurements:
    a. Where a fingernail has a natural vertical ridge or flaw that does not change.
    b. Where the fingernail bed and skin touch at the end of the finger (that little corner location where you might sometime get a hang nail).  Use the same fingernail corner each time.
Find a good point for measurement of contracture of hand by using the corner of the nail bed when the hand won't open.
Figure 1. Either corner of nail bed can be used to make caliper measurement.
Dupuytren disease measurement to determine progress of Dupuytren treatment involves measuring distance of finger contraction from wrist or palm.
Figure 2. Either corner of nail bed can be used to make caliper measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

c.   The very tip of your finger; it is the highest point when you look at your finger from the front and from the side view.

Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture progress is measured using measurement to determine how each bent finger is kept flexed toward palm.
Figure 3. Center of finger looking from side view.
Measure center of contracted finger that results in bent finger and hand that won't open
Figure 4. Center of finger looking from front view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little fnger tip showing center of contracted finger because of Dupuytren cord and lump on palm of hand.
Figure 5. Center of same finger shown in Figures 3 & 4, found by combining information from front and side view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d.   At the base of your palm, on or near the wrist crease, find a point where two or three creases meet to form a “V,” “X” or “Y”.

Wrist crease is good reference point to determine how far bent fingers how far hand contracture is held.
Figure 6. Look closely for naturally occurring "Y" formation created by creases as base of palm of hand
Measurement at a palm reference point monitors progress of hand contraction and ent fingers
Figure 7. Two creases cross at this point making a very clear "X" to be used as a reference point for measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life is difficult for those with Dupuytren's contracture when the hand won't open and finger contraction makes common daily activities impossible.
Figure 8. An inverted "Y" can be used to measure Dupuytren treatment progress.
Dupuytren disease causes reduced hand dexerity due to contracted fingers and palm lumps.
Figure 9. Here is a good reference point. a "V" that touches the natural wrist crease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dupuytren contracture treatment progress can be monitored by measuring changes of hand contracture and how badly bent fingers are flexed toward lumps on palms.
Figure 10. Place ONE dot where lines cross or meet to form an "X" or "Y" or "V" landmark on or near wrist cease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Slightly bend your wrist.  Notice if one or two wrist creases create a nice landmark that will be easy to locate each time you want to measure your progress.   A crease or wrinkle of skin may cross over a vein, tendon, scar or blemish, making a precise reference point.
Dupuytren's contracture of hand and loss of finger dexterity result in a hand taht won't open.
Figure 11. Here a vein crosses under the wrist cease, making an excellent natural landmark for measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If all else fails you can locate the center of the wrist crease using a ruler, although this is much more difficult and less precise.

Order Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper 

Measure distance bent finger flexed toward palm

Each time you how close your finger is kept flexed toward your palm you must use the same two reference points on the finger and palm or wrist.  If you have Dupuytren contracture of one finger you will use two reference points.  If two fingers are flexed toward the palm of one hand, three reference points are needed (one on each finger tip and a single point on the wrist).  Three fingers require four points for measurement.  You will make a mark on the fingertip of each involved finger and you will use the same point on the palm or wrist as a reference point for each finger.

  1. Mark each involved finger – Find a natural landmark or locate the center of the fingertip, as described above, of each finger affected by Dupuytren contracture.  Place a small precise mark at each point.
  2. Mark the palm or wrist – Find a natural landmark or measure for the center of the wrist crease, as described above. This wrist point does not have to be in direct line with the involved finger(s); it can be off to an angle or side of the wrist.  The only rule is that you use these same points each time you measure.
  3. Less contracture of hand and fewer Dupuytren cords allows bent fingers greater movement.
    Figure 12. DCI hand caliper is used to measure two simple and exact reference points, guiding Dupuytren treatment to successful conclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.  The wrist point can be located on the palm-side at the center of the wrist, or at an angle off toward the thumb or little finger side of the wrist crease; it can be anywhere on the crease as long as it easy to locate accurately and can be duplicated each time a measurement is made.
b.   If two or more fingers are involved on the same hand, the same palm or wrist point is used as the reference point for all fingers of that hand.
c.   Open your hand as far as possible.
d.   Place the tips of two caliper points (either inner or outer legs) on the small dots you selected at the finger and wrist points.

Keep exact records of how far finger contraction causes bent fingers to reduce hand use.
Figure 13. Place tips of two outside legs on the finger and wrist point to determine the distance the finger is kept flexed toward the palm.
It is important to have an exact measurement at the start of Dupuytrens treatment to document how far each finger is contracted and how far hand won't open.
Figure 14. This measurement is taken from the corner of the nail bed to a naturally occurring point at or near the wrist crease. Either finger point (center point of finger or corner of nail bed) can be used, but once a particular set of points are used at the start of treatment they cannot be changed without upsetting the accuracy and relevance of the progress your measurements are intended to document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.  Write the millimeter (mm) distance, as shown on the curved caliper scale, on your measurement record.

 

Measure amount of hand contracture

Each time you measurement your inability to flatten your hand on a tabletop, you must use the same two reference points.

If you find that only one side of the hand is kept from flattening out, and the other can be made flat, then you need to only measure the side that cannot be flattened. If both sides are kept from flattening, then you should measure both the little finger and index (pointing) finger side of the hand.

  1. Locate a deep wrinkle or crease that is near the knuckle that cannot be flattened.  Place a small dot at the end of the selected crease or wrinkle to serve as the landmark or reference point for that joint.
  2. Mark the side of the finger joint or knuckle that cannot be flattened against the table top. The 1st point can be anywhere on the side of the knuckle that is a naturally occurring landmark; it does not have to be in the center of the joint.

 

Treatment of Dupuytren contracture progress can be measured to note reduction of hand contracture and bent fingers that are less flexed by Dupuytrens cords and palm lumps.
Figure 15. The side of the flexed knuckle joint will have deep creases or folds that can be used as reference points to measure inability to flatten hand.
Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture progress is measured using measurement to determine how each bent finger is kept flexed toward palm.
Figure 16. The end of this crease makes a good reference point for measuring how far the palm is kept flexed and unable to be flattened against a tabletop. This is the classic test for Dupuytrens contracture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate and mark a natural reference point to measure contracture of hand movement.
Figure 17. Locate the top or bottom end of a natural crease on the side of the hand that won't open.
Dupuytren contracture measurement must be done to guide Dupuytren treatment by measuring distance finger contraction prevents hand from opening fully.
Figure 18. The top or bottom of any deep crease can be used to make this measurement of hand contracture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dupuytrens contracture results in hand contracture and bent fingers caused by Dupuytrens cords and palm lumps.
Figure 19. Shows three possible points that could be used for this measurement. Place ONE dot at the end of a well defined crease on the side of the knuckle that cannot be flattened against a tabletop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. The 2nd reference point in this measurement is the tabletop the hand is resting on, and therefore does not have to be marked.
  2. Place your hand on a table top or similar surface.  Press the hand down firmly so the palm is as flat as you can make it.
  3. Using one leg of the inside caliper (with the long straight legs), allow it to touch the dot on the side of the knuckle.
  4. Using the other leg, place the tip on the flat surface directly below the mark you placed on the knuckle being measured.  Do not place the tip of this leg at an angle or far from the knuckle being measured.  If you are not careful with this tabletop point selection you will add a variable to the measurement that will make comparison of other measurements invalid and inaccurate.
An essential part of Dupuytren treatment is exact measurement of hand contraction and finger contraction to assure progress is being made and guide correct therapy dosage.
Figure 20. Place the ends of the two outside legs on the knuckle point and the tabletop to determine the distance in millimeters the hand is kept from flexed so it cannot flatten against the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Write the millimeter (mm) distance, as shown on the curved caliper scale, on your measurement record.
6. To measure the distance the joint on the other side of the hand is being kept from flattening against the tabletop, repeat steps 2-7.

 

Order  Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper 

 

Keep accurate and detailed records of your changing finger contracture limitation so you can make appropriate increase or decrease of your therapy plan.
Figure 21. The complete DCI Hand Measurement Form, enables you to use accurate records of your progress to guide your treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

 

Success while using Alternative Medicine treatment for Dupuytren contracture requires that self-care be based closely on positive changes in the distance contracted fingers are kept flexed toward the palm.
Figure 22. Space to indicate if the measurement information being recorded is for the left or right hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the measurement form that comes supplied with the caliper to record increased finger and hand movement.  You will need good records because they are essential to know when to alter your Dupuytren treatment plan and how to do it.

The caliper can be used to determine how far the hand contracture prevents the hand being placed flat against a tabletop. This informiaton is useful to know if and when to change Dupuytren treatment if progress is not being noted.
Figure 23. Space to record the date and millimeter distance the palm is kept from the tabletop, measured at the knuckle.
The caliper can be used to determine how far the hand contracture prevents the hand being placed flat against a tabletop. This informiaton is useful to know if and when to change Dupuytren treatment if progress is not being noted.
Figure 24. Space to record the date and millimeter distance the each involved finger is kept flexed toward the palm. Note that records for more than one finger measurement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Copyright 2004-2012. Dupuytren Contracture Institute, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, and Online Natural Healthcare LLC   All rights reserved.  Unauthorized use or copyright violation, without written permission, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Dupuytren Contracture and Knuckle Pads

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Knuckle pads are a variable finding of many conditions

Knuckle pads or Garrod pads are commonly associated with Dupuytren contracture.  They are well-circumscribed, smooth, firm, and skin-colored slight elevations, papules, or nodules, approximately 0.5-3 cm in size.  They are most commonly found on the back side of the hand at the main knuckles joints (metacarpophalangeal or MCP) and the first joints after them (the proximal interphalangeal or PIP), with the PIP being the most common site.  They are not to be confused with a Dupuytren cord which is a structure associated with the lump on palm of the hand.

When associated with Dupuytren contracture, since they occur in 45-55% of cases, Garrod pads usually suggests a more aggressive representation of the disease (a Dupuytren diathesis).

When firm, the knuckle pads or nodules may be only tender to palpation, otherwise they do not cause pain or other symptoms.   These nodules are closely adherent to the skin in Dupuytren contracture while movement of the nodule during finger flexion/extension suggests an association with the tendon sheath.

A history of repetitive injury to this part of the hand from work or sports activity is often present, as well as occurring without any physical explanation.

Garrod first described knuckle pads in the medical literature in 1893, but knuckle pads have been observed since the Renaissance era; Michelangelo’s statue of David has knuckle pads (Florence, Italy) as well as his statue of Moses (Rome, Italy).

In the U.S and the rest of the world knuckle pads are thought to be a common occurrence.  The prevalence of knuckle pads is difficult to determine because this problem does not cause physical symptoms and so people do not often seek medical attention specifically for them. Knuckle pads can be present in any age group, with the most common in adults 40 years of age and older, especially males who engage in heavy manual labor.  The condition also is seen in young children who suck their fingers.

Some cases of knuckle pads are clearly familial, having no other possible causation.   Most often they are associated with other disease processes such as reported in Dupuytren disease, Peyronie disease, Ledderhose disease, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, esophageal cancer, hyperkeratosis, and oral leukoplakia.

>> Testimonials from Dupuytren Contracture Institute

>> Dupuytren surgery

>> Dupuytren Contracture Pictures

 

 

What is the difference between a Dupuytren’s nodule and Dupuytren’s cord?

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Which is worse if you have Dupuytrens, cords or lumps?  

Dupuytren’s contracture, sometimes called Morbus Dupuytren (MD), is a benign (non-lethal) process in which excessive collagen causes the connective tissue (fascia) to thicken in the palm of the hand; this is later followed by shortening of that same tissue.   As Dupuytren contracture continues, the tissue alters appearance and normal hand function is reduced.   The progression of the problem is fairly straightforward and clear, but the causes and reasons for the various cellular changes involved in the thickening and shortening remain unknown.

There are two well known physical elements of Dupuytren’s contracture.  First, is the appearance of one or more nodules or lumps on the palm of the hand; the palm is sometimes dimpled or puckered over the nodule.  The other is the development of a tight cord-like structure under the skin of the palm.  It has been proposed in recent years that as Dupuytren contracture progresses the various cells and tissue elements of the early nodule convert into the later cords.

Natural treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture

Surgery is not always necessary to remove these palm lumps and cords. Since 2002 the Dupuytren Contracture Institute has worked with people from around the world to use natural Alternative Medicine methods instead of a hand operation.  While surgery is always an option if a brief trial of natural methods is unsuccessful, most people prefer to first use non-surgical treatment to possibly avoid the inherent risks of surgery.

>> Dupuytren Contracture Treatment – FAQs

>> Testimonials from Dupuytren Contracture Institute


Dupuytren nodule, lump or bump

One or more lumps or nodules are usually noticed when they are rather small and soft, and not firm and solid feeling as they will become later.  Often the nodule is located in the flexible area of the skin in the vicinity of the diagonal crease at the base joints of the fingers.  When a nodule appears in the lower palm, further down towards the wrist, involving a structure known as the palmar aponeurosis, it typically is less likely to become contracted and lead to reduced hand function and forced bending of the involved finger.

One or more lumps or nodules are usually noticed when they are rather small and soft, and not firm and solid feeling as they will become later.  Often the nodule is located in the flexible area of the skin in the vicinity of the diagonal crease at the base joints of the fingers.

In most cases the nodule will appear at the base of the ring (4th) and/or little (5th) finger, although the middle (3rd) and index (2nd) finger are occasionally affected, while the thumb is rarely affected.  A Dupuytren bump or nodule can also appear throughout the palm, sometimes in the digits, and in rare cases elsewhere.  When a nodule appears in the lower palm, further down towards the wrist, involving a structure known as the palmar aponeurosis, it typically is less likely to become contracted, or lead to reduced hand function and forced bending of the involved finger.

Pitting and dimpling of the palm of the skin near or within the nodule can also develop during the early phase of disease progression when the lump changes the way underlying fascia connects to the skin.

These Dupuytren bumps or lumps are usually painless, especially during the later phases of the disease progression.  When pain does occur later it is because a lump or nodule presses or rubs against a nearby tendon. As the disease progresses and finger contractures begin, the nodules tend to reduce or disappear.

Dupuytren nodules or lumps are frequently mistaken for calluses because of their location on the palm near other calluses, as well as appearance, general density and adherence to the skin like a callus.

Dupuytren cord

As Dupuytren’s contracture slowly progresses and nodule progression goes from small and soft to large and hard, the next stage is the development of long thin bands of collagen tissue located near and parallel to tendons.  These tough rope-like structures, made of collagen connective tissue, are referred to as Dupuytren cords.

They start out from the pre-tendious bands that are extensions of the normal palmar fascia and eventually thicken over time as the disease progresses. For this reason the Dupuytren cord will develop parallel and near to the tendons of the hand and fingers.

Typically the tissue changes of Dupuytren’s disease tend to stabilize temporarily at some variable mid-point; for some people this can occur within a few months or even years after onset, and remain inactive for months or many years, typically 5-6 years.

Sooner or later at around this 5-6 year point additional nodule or cord growth development starts again at a variable speed and finger contracture worsens.  This is about the time during Dupuytren’s disease that patients become serious about treatment. Eventually as the palmar tissues continue to thicken and shorten, the tendency increases for these structures to pull the involved fingers down or flex toward the palm.   Over time, as the finger remains flex toward the palm, the muscles that straighten or extend the fingers become progressively weakened and eventually undergo atrophy.  The overall effect is a hand that is progressively held in a flexed position.

Common daily tasks become increasingly more difficult to perform as the range of finger movement decreases and the degree of contracture increases.  Dressing, bathing, toilet,  operating an automobile, amongst other many other activities of daily living, are adversely impacted to a degree equal to the numbers of fingers affected by a Dupuytren nodule or cord, and the degree of fingers held in flexion.

What is the best therapy to treat Dupuytren contracture?

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How should I treat my Dupuytrens disease?

“What is the most important product or vitamin I should use to treat the Dupuytren lump on my palm?”  I am asked that question frequently.

The correct response is that there is not any single therapy that is more important than the others; they are ALL important, especially when used together.  Each natural therapy product if taken by itself has limited ability to make a difference with the dense fibrous Dupuytren contracture tissue on the palm of the hand or fingers. However, when they are used together as we advocate at DCI, their combined effort we find is capable of generating a healing response. None when used separately will achieve the clinical results that compare to a broad-based synergistic approach to Dupuytren therapy using Alternative Medicine.

There is simply no way to predict which vitamin or mineral or enzyme therapy will do the most for you, if in fact any can make a difference to the contracted tissue when used alone.    There is no one product that can cause the contracted palmar fascia tissue to be reabsorbed by the body.

Treatment of Dupuytrens like playing baseball – you need all players

It is similar to determining something similar about a baseball team.  You cannot ask “What is the most important position on the team?” and expect a meaningful answer.  Certainly some would answer, “Oh that is easy.  The pitcher is the most important player.”  If that were true, you only have to imagine how much trouble a team would have if there was no short stop or catcher or first baseman, or center fielder on a team, or if you tried to play a game with nine pitchers on the field.  Each player is important in his own way and vital to the ultimate success of the team when they work together.  The same is true with treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

Please read and re-read sections of the DCI website that describe the treatment philosophy and the principle of synergy, found at Dupuytren Contracture Treatment Philosophy.    If you are having any concerns or indecisions about what you are doing while using Alternative Medicine to treat your hand lumps, you owe it to yourself to go over some of these points. Educate yourself well about this terrible problem and come to understand exactly why you are following this course of Alternative Medicine care.

There is a lot of good information for you on the DCI website.   If you haven’t already spent considerable time reading the background and principles that explain why this therapy works for so many people, now is a good time to review what started you thinking in this direction in the first place.  After you understand more about the philosophy that guides this process of eliminating the dense contracted hand tissue, it will be easier to successfully create and follow your own Dupuytren treatment program.

Is this lump in my palm anything to worry about?

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Lump on palm of hand should be investigated

As a general rule, anytime you discover something new happening to your body you should be concerned enough to quickly determine if the new situation has important short- and long-term consequences.   In the case of a bump, nodule or lump on the palm of the hand that appears without reason, it could be important and should not be dismissed.

Of course, the first explanation for a palm lump or nodule is that it could be a simple callus.  If a callus makes sense based on new or greater manual work you have been doing recently, especially without the protection of gloves, then that is probably all the concern that is necessary.

However, if you have not been using your hands more than usual lately, then you should do a quick mental inventory of any other recent symptoms you have noted about your hand:

  • Can’t extend or straighten one or more fingers
  • Can’t open hand completely
  • Can’t lay palm flat down on a table top
  • Fingers won’t open up after being used
  • Fingers won’t straighten
  • Fingers are restricted in full movement
  • Fingers curling in toward palm
  • Pinky finger or ring finger won’t extend fully
  • Lump, bump or nodule on the palm of the hand
  • Can’t open hands without pain
  • Stinging or burning pain in hand
  • Feels like a swollen tendon in the palm of hand
  • Feels like hand constricting and won’t open easily

If you note one or more symptoms that reduce your ability to use your hand and fingers, then you could have a fairly common condition known as Dupuytren contracture.

Lump in palm of hand common Dupuytren contracture finding

Dupuytren contracture is a problem of the soft tissue characterized by thickening and shortening of fibrous bands located in the deep tissue of the palm of the hand (palmar fascia), caused by an excess amount of a tissue protein called collagen.  As this progresses a cord of tissue will develop below the surface or a lump in the palm on the surface, resulting in reduced mobility and contracture of the hand and finger.  This involvement can affect one or both hands, and a variable number of fingers.  Dupuytren contracture presents in a wide variation, from a mild and slowly progressing contracture of a single finger, to severe and rapidly progressive involvement of several fingers of both hands, or many variations in between.

Alternative medicine treatment when combined into an aggressive assembly of natural therapies (vitamin E, PABA, acetyl-L-carnitine, massage, stretching, copper peptides, systemic enzymes, etc.) are often effective in reducing or eliminating the excess collagen cord or nodule formation and the subsequent finger contracture that so often prevents the 4th and 5th finger from being able to extend or open fully and keeps the involved fingers curled in toward the palm.   For information about using natural treatment methods to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, and to possibly avoid the need for Dupuytren release surgery, click natural Dupuytren Treatment Plan.

One or more dimpled and thickened bumps on the palm are most often caused by Dupuytren’s contracture.  This is especially true for any unusual small nodule or lump on the hand that appears on the palm at the base of the 4th (ring) or 5th (pinky) fingers, especially if the involved finger or fingers won’t completely straighten out.  Although it is always advisable to get a medical diagnosis of this kind of health problem, it is possible to develop a strong suspicion the problem is Dupuytren disease if several indicators and factors are present in your history:

  • Ancestors who came from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or a Scandinavian country
  • One or more family members also have Dupuytren contracture
  • Palm lump located immediately at the base of the ring and/or pinky finger
  • Age 45 plus
  • Male
  • History of manual labor doing heavy or repetitive work, often with hands unprotected
  • History of tobacco smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol abuse or liver disease
  • Epilepsy

Dupuytren contracture will often return or recur within a few years after surgery that releases the finger contracture by removing the cords or lumps on the palm.  In fact, some forms of Dupuytren surgery have am 80% recurrence rate 3-5 years after the first operation, and even faster recurrence for a 2nd or 3rd surgery.  Hand surgery should not be seen as a solution or cure for Dupuytren’s contracture since recurrence is such a common problem not only for hand surgeons, but also the patients they serve.

Many surgeons voice the opinion that in many cases Dupuytren hand surgery seems to accelerate and worsen the development of cords and lumps on the palm.  For this reason it is suggested that a person who has Dupuytren cords and lumps should first attempt a therapeutic trial of aggressive Alternative Medicine to determine if the body is capable of reversing or even eliminating the tissue changes that makes the fingers curl in toward the palm and prevents the hand from opening completely. If after two or three months of natural treatment no change is seen, Dupuytren surgery can always be done at a later time.

Natural alternative therapies such as suggested by the Dupuytren Contracture Institute do not receive evidence-based research because of their limited profit potential and easy access by laypeople, and so have little support from the medical profession.  Even so, with a little independent research on this website it should be obvious that these natural healing ideas make sense and do not interfere with subsequent medical treatment.