Dupuytren’s Contracture is classified to be a connective tissue disorder that affects the joints of the fingers caused by inflammation in the tendons of the palm of the hand, causing one or more fingers to get stuck in a bent position.
With Dupuytren’s Contracture, flexing and opening your hand becomes difficult due to the fingers in the bent position, limiting movement of the hand and making activities like shaking hands and wearing gloves to be challenging.
Can it be Permanent?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Dupuytren’s Contracture is whether it can be permanent or not. Living with the disease is hard enough on its own, and not treating it could certainly worsen it over time as the tissues in palm tendons continue to thicken.
The Fingers may become Permanently Flexed:
When asking whether Dupuytren’s Contracture can be permanent, a definite answer is hard to give. It can be expected that leaving it untreated or allowing the Dupuytren’s nodules to continue developing can make the fingers bend so badly that they may get stuck in this position making the disease become permanent over time.
Faster Progress may cause it to be Permanent Faster if Untreated:
The thickening and the shortening of the bands of the palm tendons continue to take place, causing a hardened nodule to form. According to rarediseases.org an abnormal band of hardened tissue forms, which causes the fingers to be drawn in towards the palm.
The process may take place over a period of a few months or even a few years, depending on the severity of it. Some people may never have to see it become permanent if the progress is slow, but due to faster progress, untreated Dupuytren’s Contracture and the flexing of the fingers may become permanent much earlier.
It is always important to speak with your physician before beginning any new treatment or physical therapy for Dupuytren’s Contracture.