Dupuytrens Contracture Progression

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Dupuytren contracture progression is variable in terms of speed and degree of tissue changes. Dupuytrens contracture usually begins as a painless nodule, pit, depression or lump on palm of hand near the palmar crease at the base of the ring, little or middle fingers, or along the front of a finger. In some cases, these thickened or depressed areas can be sensitive to touch, although it is generally not painful. If pain is present initially, it gradually disappears as the condition progresses. The speed at which Dupuytrens contracture progresses is variable from case to case.

There is no sure way to determine how severe or how quickly Dupuytrens contracture will progress, or how soon the contractures of fingers will result in limitation of hand use and functionality. If the disease progresses quickly, the fingers can become bent toward the palm, in a variable degree of flexion, within a few weeks or months, although this is rare; more commonly it is a process that takes years to occur.

Early symptoms
Dupuytren’s contracture often starts as a slight  thickening of the skin on the palm of the hand – similar to a thick callus.  As the Dupuytren’s contracture progresses, the skin on the palm of the  hand may begin to slightly pucker or dimple.  As this palm lump becomes more and more firm it may be sensitive to the touch but usually isn’t painful.

Later symptoms
As the condition advances, cords of tendon-like tissue form under the skin on the palm, advancing toward the fingers eventually pulling the involved finger(s) toward the palm, making it difficult to impossible to fully open the hand.

As a contracture progresses, the nodule becomes a thickened fibrous cord that extends into the finger under the skin. As the cord thickens and shortens, the affected finger is pulled (curled) in towards the palm, and extension of the affected finger becomes difficult or impossible.A contracting band or cord of diseased fascia may take years to form. When a joint is crossed, joint straightening is limited and the hand cannot lay completely flat. The skin and ligaments shorten secondarily, and knuckle pads of thickened skin occasionally form over the middle joint of the fingers.

The 4th (ring) finger and 5th (little or pink) finger are most commonly affected, with infrequent involvement of the 3rd (middle) finger. Rarely are the thumb and 2nd (index) finger involved.  Dupuytren’s contracture can occur either hand, though one hand is usually affected more severely than the other.

Because Dupuytrens contracture progression is difficult to predict, and should never to taken lightly, it is the opinion of DCI that all cases should be treated early and aggressively with a full array of conservative Alternative Medicine therapies that are discussed on this website.

The normal and full use of your hand or hands can be taken from you through Dupuytrens contracture progression. Do all that you can, as early as you can, to allow your body the best opportunity to reverse this problem.

For ideas and suggestions to organize an effective Alternative Medicine treatment plan, click Create Dupuytrens Treatment Plan..