Dupuytren’s Contracture will stop you in your tracks if you need to use your hands or fingers in any way. The condition makes simple everyday tasks a real challenge and, in some cases, completely impossible. Let’s take a close look at some facts about this unknown condition:
- Dupuytren’s Contracture is also known as Vikings Disease because it was prevalent in the Vikings. As the Vikings traveled throughout Northern Europe, they spread the disease, now it is found mostly in those within this gene pool.
- No one is safe from Dupuytren’s Contracture; President Ronald Reagan suffered from the condition in 1989, and so did British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Peter Pan creator James Barrie also suffered from Dupuytren’s, and it is said that this was the inspiration behind the infamous Captain Hook.
- Men are more likely to suffer from the condition than women; in fact, the ratio is about 10 to 1. This ratio evens out when they are in their 80’s.
- The condition is named after the greatest surgeon of the 19th century. Baron Guillaume Dupuytren was famous for being the doctor who treated Napoleon Bonaparte for hemorrhoids.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture is also connected to numerous other conditions, including Ledderhose disease, frozen shoulder, and even Peyronie’s disease. If you suffer from these conditions, you will be more likely to get Dupuytren’s Contracture and visa versa.
- Your pinky and ring finger are the most likely fingers to be affected by the condition. It can, however, affect the other fingers on the hand, making life chores extremely difficult.
- Every case of Dupuytren’s Contracture is different, with some instances being extreme and others very subtle. Most patients require some form of treatment, while others will go away with time.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture is hereditary; you will find that all males in many family lines will suffer from the disease. Most cases from the condition are found in those of Northern European descendants.
- A chemical imbalance is connected to people contracting the disease. Those who smoke, drink alcohol regularly, and take certain medications are more likely to suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture.
- There is no cure for Dupuytren’s Contracture; several treatments are available to patients of Dupuytren’s Contracture. In extreme circumstances, surgery will be required to remove the damaged tissue and return the movement to the fingers.
No matter how the Dupuytren’s Contracture is affecting you as a patient, it is imperative that you seek out treatment for the condition as quickly as possible. Many patients fear having to go through surgery or take any form of medication. Doctors will often use an enzyme injection to treat Dupuytren’s disease; the enzyme will breakdown the hardened tissue and allow the fingers to be straightened. Needle aponeurotomy is used in some cases as an alternative to the injection or surgery.
If you are looking for a home remedy, then the use of Dupuytren’s jelly, tape, and the wand is ideal for you. When used together, these three items are known to improve the movement of the fingers and provide relief from the symptoms associated with the condition. You can find these on the shop of the website.