What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a medical condition that usually affects men aged 40 and above. It affects the hand, which tightens and thickens areas of the palm and fingers.
- Symptoms may include lumps and pits that are formed in the palm of your hand. This causes thickening and tightening over the years.
- It usually affects the ring and other smaller fingers. The thumb is the least affected when it comes to Dupuytrens contracture.
- Two or three of your fingers may further feature a chord.
- The process worsens over time and can be verified when the chord pulls the affected fingers to a bending position.
- Dupuytren’s contracture is typically painless, however, in many cases, there is a pain in the palm.
- Another typical symptom you might notice is that your palm does not lay flat on hard flat surfaces.
- The most basic symptom is difficulty in doing your daily work due to tightness and discomfort in the palm.
Does an X-ray verify Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease that affects the fingers of the hand. It is due to the formation of nodules and knots in the palm. A chord is formed during the duration of the disease, which causes a pull on the affected fingers which are bent permanently.
X-rays are often used to verify bone problems, whereas Dupuytren’s disease has almost nothing to do with bones.
There is usually no effect on the bones, as there is no breaking or fracturing of them. The disease just causes tightness and bending of fingers due to changes in the soft tissue. For this reason, X-ray cannot be used to identify Dupuytrens disease.
Is you suspect you suffer from Dupuytren’s disease, a physical examination by a hand specialist is typically needed.