Dupuytren’s Contracture is far more common in men than in women, and we wanted to look at why that is the case. Before we jump into that, let us confirm what Dupuytren’s Contracture is and how it comes about. The condition starts as either a lump or nodule on the hand. It is progressive; as it gets worse, the nodules cause a cord to develop from the hand to the joints on the finger. These rope-like cords will cause the finger to bend unnaturally into the palm and stop them from completely straightening. Dupuytren’s Contracture, also known as Dupuytren’s Disease, is usually found in the ring and little finger; however, it can affect all fingers and both hands simultaneously.
So, why men more than women?
Well, there is no actual cause of Dupuytren’s Disease, but there is a connection to a chemical imbalance in the body. People who drink alcohol frequently and in large quantities are more susceptible to the condition. It is known that men tend to be heavier drinkers than women. Smoking cigarettes also makes it more likely for a person to develop Dupuytren’s Contracture; it is understood that nicotine causes an imbalance in the body’s chemicals, making the disease grow more aggressively.
Men are heavier smokers than women, according to numerous studies. People living with diabetes suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture more than those who don’t; men get diabetes more commonly than women. There is a connection between liver disease, epilepsy, and Ledderhose disease, and Dupuytren’s Disease, all of which are found in men more often than in women.
Summing it all up, men’s lifestyle choices make them more susceptible to Dupuytren’s Contracture than women. These are not the only risks of the disease; however, it is more common in Caucasians than any other race. It has been confirmed that Dupuytren’s Disease is hereditary, and those of Northern European descent will be most likely to suffer from it.
This dates back to the Vikings who spread the disease as they attempted to conquer Northern Europe, spreading the disease amongst the natives. The disease was so common in the Vikings it is even named Vikings Disease. Those over the age of 40 are also more at risk of Vikings Disease than any other age group.
What can be done to avoid Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Although you can’t stop Dupuytren’s Contracture from developing, you can certainly not encourage it. Cutting back on the amount of alcohol you are drinking will reduce your risk of developing the condition, and not smoking cigarettes will do the same. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise will also help.
How to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture
There are several Dupuytren’s Contracture treatments, like surgery, needle aponeurotomy, or even a collagenase injection to breakdown the hardened tissue. If you are looking for a non-surgical Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment, though, head to www.dupuytrencure.com and get the Dupuytrens wand, tape, and jelly. When used together, these three products will clear up the condition and can be used again in the future should it return.