Tag: Dupuytren’s contracture

Categories
Recent News

What Is Viking Syndrome? A Go-to Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Post Date: March 24, 2022

Dupuytren’s Contracture or Viking Syndrome is a medical condition that causes hand deformity. It occurs very slowly as soft tissues under the skin start to thicken. As a result, the fingers of the person start to bend towards the palm because of the knot formation. The most affected fingers are generally the middle, ring finger, and pinkie. While the index is affected too, the disease hardly spreads through the thumbs. And while some people suffer from this condition in both hands, it generally affects one hand more prominently than the other.

When the Viking’s disease symptoms get severe, it significantly restricts the ability to perform activities in the daily life of a person, such as personal sanitation, holding items, and working with their hands.

Why is Dupuytren’s Contracture Called Viking Disease?

Dupuytren’s Contracture or Viking Syndrome is also known as Viking’s Disease. This nickname comes from oral history tracking back to the Vikings. Tradition says that they had spread it all over northern Europe.

The first person to treat a patient with this condition was Dr. Guillaume Dupuytren. He was believed to be one of the most known surgeons in Europe, and after publishing a detailed research paper on this condition, Viking’s Disease was named after him.

What Causes Viking’s Disease?

Now that we know what Viking syndrome is, let us move forward to the cause of this condition. Node formation of the connective tissues in the palm causes Viking’s disease. The tissues are formed between the skin and the muscles of the palm. The connective tissue grows as a band, pulling the affected fingers in a bent position towards the palm.

Factors that cause such irregular node formation of connective tissues are unknown. Though this condition is hereditary, it is believed that genetics play the main role in the cause of this disease. It is common in people coming from North Europe. Many scholars believe that the trauma or injury in the palm can also lead to abnormal node formation in the connective tissues. No relation between the factors like the intensive manual work, typing job, or use of vibrating tools and development of this condition has been found so far.

What are the Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Viking’s disease symptoms appear slowly and in phases. The different stages of development of this disease are as below:

Nodules: Small lump of mass appears on the upper layer of the palm. At first, these lumps are sore to the touch, but the soreness typically goes away as the disease progress.

Bands of tissues/ Cord: The nodules start to get thick and then contract, forming the bands of tissue, known as cords. These hard bands exist under the skin and are observed as thick and raised coatings.

Curled fingers: One or more finger starts to bend towards the palm. Over time, it develops more and causes difficulty when trying to uncurl the fingers. The condition usually affects the ring finger first, then the little finger, and then the middle finger. In rare cases, it affects all the fingers together with the thumb.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for Dupuytren’s Contracture, but the condition is not linked to mortality.

Although it differs from patient to patient, Dupuytren’s generally develops slowly and may not become bothersome for years.

If the disease develops, your doctor first will recommend a nonsurgical treatment to help slow down the development or consequences of this disease.

Nonsurgical treatment

Dupuytren’s Wand: Using the Dupuytren’s Wand followed by wearing Dupuytren’s tape provides a consistent and comfortable stretch to the finger that helps to slowly restore the range of motion.

Steroid injection. Steroids that are injected are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines. In many cases, the injection slows the development of a contracture. The success of a steroid injection differs from patient to patient.

If the disease interferes with hand movement, your doctor will recommend surgical treatment. This surgery aims to decrease the Contracture and bring back the motion in the affected fingers.

Now you have detailed information on what is Viking’s disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options; the next step is to speak with your physician.

Dupuytren’s Contracture and Vikings Disease
Categories
Recent News

All You Need to Know about Dupuytren’s Contracture and Vikings Disease

Post Date: March 14, 2022

Dupuytren’s Contracture or Vikings Disease is caused by an abnormal tightening and thickening of the fascia, under the skin, on the palm.

 

Dupuytren’s disease is normally a slow and relatively painless medical condition. Initially, soft lumps and pitted skin start to grow in the palm. Over time it gets thick, and a rope-like nodule is developed that pulls the fingers towards the palm into a bent position. These cords make it difficult to stretch the fingers or rest your hand flat on any surface. The little and ring fingers are usually affected; however, it may affect any or all the fingers, including the thumb.

 

Dupuytren’s disease, also known as Viking hand syndrome, is suspected to be a hereditary disorder in the family; however, the exact cause is still unknown. Numerous risk factors are believed to contribute to developing Dupuytren’s contracture or Viking disease.

These include:

Gender: Men are eight times more likely to suffer this condition than women.

 

Ancestry: Common in people with Northern European and Scandinavian ancestry.

 

Excess alcohol and tobacco use can exasperate this condition.

 

Diabetes can exasperate this condition.

 

Age: Occurrence increases with age.

What causes Dupuytren’s contracture?

As mentioned earlier, the cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is still unknown. Still, certain factors raise the risk, such as being male, over 50 years of age, and being of Northern European descent.

Why is Dupuytren’s contracture known as Viking disease?

Dupuytren’s disease has been named “the Viking hand syndrome” due to its occurrence in Northern European descent. According to history, this condition was common among the Vikings, who occupied and invaded much of Northern Europe, spreading the disease in the populations they intermarried with.

Can Dupuytren’s contracture be cured?

Mild cases are usually observed until the condition develops where medical assistance is required.

Home remedies for Dupuytren’s Disease

Though there is no specific cure for Dupuytren’s contracture. The treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms of the disease. While surgical treatment is an option — and many a time it becomes a necessity — there are a number of at-home treatments that you can try to get rid of Dupuytren’s contracture or Viking hand:

  1. Reduce palm pressure

The skin on the palm is where the disease begins. You can manage your symptoms by safeguarding the affected hand:

Practice a loose grip: The palm bends when we hold something, forming a curl position around the object. Remember to safeguard your hands whenever you need to hold something by using looser pressure.

 

Wear gloves: Some objects require a tighter grip to be used effectively. Try to alleviate some pressure by wearing hand gloves or using a cushion-like Dupuytren’s Tape that helps minimize the amount of pressure on the affected hands.

  1. Try exercises

There are a number of exercises that help manage the condition. Exercises and stretches do not necessarily stop or slow the development of the contracture but are a helpful option at the early stages of Dupuytren’s disease:

Finger lifts: One easy exercise is to lay your palm flat on a table. Next, try raising every finger one at a time and pausing at each raise for some time. Try to repeat this exercise many times a day.

 

Finger spreads: With your palm on the table, try to stretch your fingers by spreading them as wide as you can and slowly drawing them back together.

Seek Professional Level Treatment from the Dupuytren’s Wand

At Dupuytren’s Wand, we know the frustrating impact Dupuytren’s contracture and Vikings disease brings to your life. Our skilled team is here to offer you different options, including the Dupuytren’s Wand and Dupuytren’s Tape, and jelly. If you think it’s the right time for a professional-level treatment, reach out to us with questions today.

Dupuytren's Contracture
Categories
Recent News

Why Are Men More Likely to Get Dupuytren’s Contracture than Women?

Post Date: December 24, 2020

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.

Dupuytren's Contracture
Categories
Recent News

How Dupuytren’s Contracture Affects typing?

Post Date: December 14, 2020

If you type for a living and have been diagnosed with Dupuytren’s Contracture, you will know that carrying out your job is almost impossible. If you can’t straighten out all your fingers, can you type? I don’t know about you but I can’t. When you suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture, you develop a lump on your hand at first, which in its early stages doesn’t even bother you. However, as the condition develops, the lump gets bigger and bigger, which makes things a little bit awkward. In the next stage of the disease, a cord extends from the node in the hand to one of the two joints in the finger. This is where things become out of hand, and you can no longer carry out daily tasks. The finger bends downwards into the palm and then can not be straightened. The sufferer will have to go through surgery if the condition is extreme. 

 

If the patient decides to go ahead with the Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery, they will not be able to use that hand for at least four weeks. However, recovery can take as long as twelve weeks or longer if physiotherapy is required. After surgery, the Dupuytren’s Contracture patient may experience numbness in the hand and tingling in the fingers. It is also expected that the hideous scar becomes infected because of the incision’s nature, which is done in a zig-zag motion across the palm. Following the operation, the use of a brace or splint is needed to help with recovery. Recovery from a fasciectomy, which is the name for a Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery, is slow and painful. There is also a big chance that the condition returns despite having an operation to remove the nodule. 

 

If you decide against an open surgery, needle aponeurotomy is another option. In this procedure, a needle is inserted directly into the infected tissue and wiggled from side to side to release the finger. The needle aponeurotomy is usually sufficient; however, it has numerous potential side effects to be aware of before having the treatment. Patients who have had needle aponeurotomy claim that it is extremely painful and takes several weeks to recover. After the procedure, the hand is very tender, and there is swelling at the needle entry site. Bleeding, numbness, infection, and nerve damage are other potential side effects to be aware of. On top of all that, there is still a chance that the condition may return. 

 

The Dupuytren’s Contracture home treatment that does not come with any side effects is using the Dupuytrens wand, tape, and jelly together. These three products work together to provide relief from the symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture without an extended recovery period. The disease may return after using these items; however, they can be used as many times as necessary, unlike a surgery or needle aponeurotomy. Patients who have used these products have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly they work to eliminate the condition. 

 

There are other Dupuytren’s Contracture home treatment options available to select from, including the use of a splint or brace. This treatment is not recommended because it prevents the affected hand and can cause extreme discomfort. The Dupuytrens tape is the ideal replacement for a splint or brace as it is lightweight and allows you to use the hand. Massages can also be used to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture; however, they don’t penetrate the hand deeply enough to be effective; the Dupuytrens wand does. When patients tried over-the-counter medications, steroid injections, and even acupuncture, none of them experienced long-term relief from the condition, and many of them had to deal with unwanted symptoms from these treatments. That is why so many people have started using the Dupuytrens wand, jelly, and tape.

Dupuytren’s Contracture
Categories
Recent News

Why Does Dupuytren’s Contracture Hurt?

Post Date: December 1, 2020

Dupuytren’s Contracture is the development of a hard lump on the palm of the hand. The condition is progressive; as it worsens, the hardened tissue pulls down on the finger, making it bend unnaturally. The sufferer is then unable to straighten the finger all the way. In most cases, Dupuytren’s Contracture is not painful at all; in the issues that it is painful, it’s excruciating. The pain is caused to a number of reasons; attempting to straighten the finger puts pressure on the skin, making it unbearable. If the lump is too close to a nerve or blood vessel, this can be painful as well. The node may put pressure on the tendons, making them painful during every joint movement. The skin becomes a hardened lump that the patient will often remove to attempt their own treatment; this leaves the area tender and susceptible to pain. 

 

Certain life choices can aggravate the symptoms of the disease. If the person is a heavy smoker, twenty or more cigarettes a day, they are more susceptible to the condition. This is also the case if the person consumes large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. The chemical imbalance caused by smoking and drinking is what triggers the condition. This may be one of the reasons males are more likely to suffer from the disease, as men are more likely to be heavy drinkers and smokers. 

 

Past injury and trauma to the hand can also make the condition more aggressive. The tenderness of the tissue in the hand can lead to Dupuytren’s Contracture development. 

 

There is no confirmed cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture; however, the condition is hereditary, so passed down from generation to generation. The condition affects people who are of Northern European descent. The disease is more common in Caucasian males than any other sex or race. The disease was spread throughout Northern Europe by the Vikings as they conquered the region. It was so prevalent in the Vikings that the condition is even known as Viking disease. The disease is also common in the British Isles, where it is known as Celtic Hand or MacCrimmons Curse. 

 

The name Dupuytren’s Contracture comes from the world-renowned French surgeon Guillaume Dupuytren. The condition is also named Vikings Disease, Celtic Hand, Morbus Dupuytren, and Dupuytren’s Disease. 

 

How can you prevent Dupuytren’s Contracture?

 

The fact that Dupuytren’s Contracture is hereditary makes it almost impossible to prevent. However, individual lifestyle choices do make a person more susceptible to the disease. To stop the condition from being more aggressive, the patient can ease up drinking alcohol. Also, giving up smoking cigarettes is another way to help reduce the aggressiveness of the disease. 

 

Another way to prevent Dupuytren’s Contracture is to eat a more balanced diet. Obesity is another factor that can cause Dupuytren’s disease to be more aggressive. Exercising on a regular basis will also help to reduce the risk of contracting Dupuytren’s Contracture.

 

Wearing gloves when having to grip tools tightly will also help to prevent the disease from developing. Avoiding carrying heavy items will also help to prevent the disease from occurring. 

 

How do you treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?

 

The most common Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment is surgery. The infected tissue is removed from the hand after a large incision is made in the affected hand. This leaves a very unsightly scar that is prone to infection. After surgery, the symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture have been known to return. There are other risks like nerve or tendon damage, itchiness to the hand, and potential infection. 

 

The use of a brace or splint is also used to treat Dupuytren’s disease. The brace will stretch out the finger and encourage blood flow to the affected hand. The brace will keep the finger in a straightened position and protect the area from any injury. The downside to a brace is the inability to perform daily tasks when wearing one. The brace makes movements extremely cumbersome and, in some cases, very painful. When wearing a brace, the patient is encouraged to take pain killers to help with this pain. 

 

Doctors will perform a needle aponeurotomy in some cases to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture. This is an excellent alternative to surgery but can also have some severe side effects. Patients have experienced a tingling sensation in the fingers and numbness of the hand after the procedure. There is also a risk of nerve or tendon damage with this treatment. 

 

If you want a home remedy for Dupuytren’s Contracture, then the Dupuytren’s wand and tape found on the shop page of the website are perfect. The combination of these two items is proven to reduce the symptoms of the disease after only one use. Not only are they easy to use, but they are well priced as well, making them the best option available on the market.

 

Dupuytren's Contracture
Categories
Recent News

Is Dupuytren’s Contracture A Sign Of Cancer?

Post Date: November 20, 2020

The condition Dupuytren’s Contracture starts as a hardened lump or nodule on the hand. As the hardened lump develops, it causes a cord to develop that pulls the finger down towards the hand’s center. Despite the fact that a lump forming Dupuytren’s Contracture is not a sign of cancer, it is a benign skin condition. The condition is progressive, however, so will need to be treated. When the situation goes untreated, it can cause long-term damage to the finger, which can result in the finger being permanently stuck in a bent position with the only treatment being surgery. 

 

Although Dupuytren’s Contracture is not painful in most cases, it can become unbearable if it goes untreated. The bending of the fingers causes cramping, and attempting to straighten them out can be excruciating. 

 

Once the condition begins to deteriorate, the sufferer struggles to perform the simplest of tasks. Putting on gloves or washing dishes is not possible. As the finger cannot be straightened, grasping items becomes very difficult. 

 

How can Dupuytren’s Contracture be treated?

As mentioned before, surgery is a treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture. The surgery performed to treat Dupuytren’s disease is known as a fasciectomy, removing a layer of tissue. The surgery has some serious risks and side effects. The hazards include pain at the site of the incision, irritation, swelling, tenderness in the hand, numbness, and potential nerve and tendon damage. Recovery from surgery usually takes more than six weeks and requires the patient to wear a splint or brace. In some cases, physiotherapy is needed to help with recovery. 

 

Needle aponeurotomy is another of Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment that is often used. Needle aponeurotomy involves a surgeon inserting a needle into the hardened nodule in the hand and moving it around to loosen up the tissue. By loosening the tissue, the fingers can be moved naturally, allowing them to perform tasks as usual. There are also some risks associated with this procedure; these risks include permanent damage to tendons on nerves, which will result in surgery. There is also a chance of numbness in the hand or a tingling sensation in the fingers. 

 

Steroid injections are also used in Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment. This is a great way to reduce inflammation and ease the pain if there is any. The issue with the steroid injection is it is a temporary solution. The injection can cause pain, swelling, and irritation, amongst other side effects. 

 

The best non-surgical Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment can be found at Dupuytren-Cure. The combination of the Dupuytren’s wand, tape, and jelly is proven to reduce Viking’s disease symptoms. This in-home Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment is not only easy to use but is very cost-effective. The fact that no side effects are associated with this treatment makes it an excellent option for all patients. A single use of the three treatments together will make a substantial difference to the condition. After only two weeks, it is common for the disease to have completely cleared up.

Dupuytren's Contracture Risks
Categories
Recent News

Who is Most at Risk of Contracting Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Post Date: November 5, 2020

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a bit of a hidden disease to most. It is not as common as other hand or finger infections that can be suffered, so it is not as familiar. Dupuytren’s Contracture starts as a hard nodule or lump in the palm of your hand. As the disease worsens and the nodule gets larger, it causes the fingers to bend into the hand’s center. It usually affects the ring and little finger but is known to be found in any fingers. The condition is generally pain-free but can make daily activities challenging to perform. The fingers’ unnatural bending makes grasping of objects impossible, as the infected finger cannot be opened. Let’s take a look at who is likely to suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture:

Lineage:

Dupuytren’s Contracture is hereditary, being passed down from generation to generation. This of Northern European descent is most likely to suffer from the condition. This dates back to the days of the Vikings, who spread the disease throughout the region while traveling from country to country. The disease was so prevalent in Vikings that it is even known as Vikings Disease. Over the years, the disease made its way through Europe, eventually making it to the British Isles. The condition is also known as Celtic Hand in Great Britain, as it was more common in those of Celtic descent. 

Sex:

You are more likely to suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture as a man than as a woman. The ratio of men with the disease in comparison to women is 4 to 1. There is no explanation for this, but it may be connected to lifestyle choices made by men. The severity of the condition is also far worse in men than in women, with more aggressive symptoms and more fingers being affected. Men tend to develop the disease in both their hands as they get older. 

Age:

People are more susceptible to Vikings Disease as they get older. People over the age of 50 are more likely to suffer from the condition, and the chances of contraction are greater as they age. As mentioned before, the disease is more common in men; women who suffer from Dupuytren’s Contracture tend to do so after menopause; however, there is no proof of this being connected to ovarian function. 

Drinking alcohol:

Although there is no actual cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture, it has been linked to a chemical imbalance in the body. Those who drink alcoholic beverages regularly tend to suffer from the condition more so than non-drinkers. Alcohol consumption is proven to trigger the disease. The symptoms of the disease are far more aggressive in someone who consumes alcohol regularly. 

Smoking cigarettes:

As with alcohol, there is a connection to smoking cigarettes and suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture. Those who smoke cigarettes regularly are proven to be more likely to contract the disease than a non-smoker. It is said that the nicotine, coupled with the fact that smoking changes the blood vessels, can trigger the condition. Heavy smokers will usually have more severe symptoms and have symptoms in both hands. Smoking has more of an effect on the condition than alcohol consumption. 

Diabetes:

Dupuytren’s Contracture is considered to be one of the complications of diabetes. It is suggested that the use of insulin to treat diabetes may be in some way connected to the condition, but there is no solid evidence to support this theory. About 5% of Dupuytren’s Contracture patients also have diabetes. The condition is not to be confused with diabetic stiff hand syndrome, common in people with diabetes. Diabetic stiff hand syndrome will limit hand function and causes stiffness and discomfort. 

Ledderhose disease:

Ledderhose disease is Dupuytren’s Contracture of the feet. Much like Dupuytren’s Contracture, Ledderhose Disease is a rare condition that starts as hard nodules or lumps on the soles of one’s feet. This condition is also known to be hereditary and also connected to alcoholism and smoking. Those who suffer from Vikings disease are also prone to Ledderhose disease. 

Other conditions:

There is also a connection between Dupuytren’s disease and some other ailments. Liver disease sufferers are more susceptible to the condition, as are those who have epilepsy. Although epilepsy and seizures aren’t an actual cause, their medication is known to trigger the disease. Previous hand trauma is also connected with Dupuytren’s Contracture, again not being the cause but making the condition more aggressive and speeding up its development. 

 

How do you treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?

 

The most common treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is surgery. The surgeon will make a zigzag-shaped incision in the area and then remove the hardened tissue. This allows movement to return to the fingers. The surgery leaves an unsightly scar and takes a long time to heal completely. There is also a risk of tendon and nerve damage associated with an operation.

 

After surgery, a period of physiotherapy is usually necessary. Needle aponeurotomy is another form of treatment that is used for the disease. A doctor will insert a needle under the skin and move it around to break up the hardened tissue and allow movement to return to the fingers. Although no incision is made, this treatment is sometimes painful and will leave the hand and fingers feeling numb or with a tingling sensation. 

 

Doctors will also administer a steroid or cortisone injection to treat Celtic Hand. This injection can be painful and cause bleeding and swelling at the site. The injection will usually provide relief but is only a temporary treatment. If you are interested in non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture, then head over to Dupuytren – Cure, where you can find the most highly recommended treatment on the market.

 

The Dupuytren’s tape is the best at home Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment you will find. Not only is it easy to use and cost-effective, but it will allow the use of the hand. A splint or brace is often recommended treatment for the condition but can be cumbersome and make daily tasks extremely difficult to perform. The tape allows the use of the hand to continue while stretching out the affected finger.

 

The tape encourages blood flow to the affected area, which will aid in a natural Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment, as opposed to surgery. With its lightweight design, the tape can be worn all day and night without interfering with the use of the hand or other fingers. What makes the tape such a great non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture is that it has no side effects and begins working after only one use.

Dupuytren's Contracture Facts
Categories
Recent News

10 Facts and Tips For Dupuytren’s Contracture

Post Date: October 9, 2020

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:

 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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. 
  7. 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.
  8. 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. 
  9. 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.
  10. 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.  

Dupuytren's Contracture
Categories
Recent News

What Causes Fingers To Bend Towards the Palm?

Post Date: October 6, 2020

So your fingers are bending towards your palm, and you’re wondering what is going on. It is not painful, but you do have a hard lump on your hand that seems to pull your finger down. The chances are this is most likely Dupuytren’s Contracture, also known as Vikings disease. It is said that the Vikings were the reason the condition spread throughout Europe. 

 

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture, and what causes it?

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition that affects the hands and fingers. The fingers bend towards the center of the hand because of a collagen buildup. There is no way for the body to break down the collagen, which becomes a hard lump or nodules that pull the fingers down. Although there is no proven cause of Dupuytren’s disease, we know that it is genetic and passed down from generation to generation. There is also a link to individual lifestyle choices that seem to trigger the condition. Some of these actions include heavy drinking, smoking, and extreme hard labor. The disease is also prevalent in people who have diabetes. 

 

Who can get Dupuytren’s disease?

No one is immune to Dupuytren’s disease; it is known to affect just about anyone. It is, however, it is more likely to affect people of Northern European descent. The condition is more common in men than in women and is most likely to affect people over 50. You are also more likely to see Dupuytren’s disease in Caucasians.

 

How do you cure Dupuytren’s Contracture?

There are several Dupuytren’s Contracture home remedies; the best of these is a combination of Dupuytren’s jelly, Dupuytren’s wand, and Dupuytren’s tape. When used together, these three products are known to improve the symptoms and allow a return to normalcy of movement. They can be found on the shop page of the website not only are they easy to use, but they are also extremely affordable.

MacCrimmons Curse
Categories
Recent News

What is the MacCrimmons Curse?

Post Date: September 17, 2020

MacCrimmons curse is an affliction that affected the piper clan MacCrimmon in sixteenth-century Scotland. It is said the clan was cursed by a widow whose son was taken away by the press gangs. It is also noted that one of the MacCrimmons women had several fingers removed for giving away piping secrets to a lover from the MacPherson clan. Wherever the curse came from, it had an impact on the MacCrimson men, whose fingers started to bend in towards the center of their hands. This curse prevented the MacCrimmons men from playing the bagpipes and took away their ability to be the official pipers for the Macloeds of Dunvegan.

 

The MacCrimmons curse is actually Dupuytren’s Contracture, also known as Vikings Disease. This disease is a condition that starts as a small lump in the palm that then starts to affect the fingers, causing them to contract and bend towards the hand’s center. The condition dates back to Nordic descent people, notably the Vikings, hence the name Vikings Disease. The Vikings settled in large numbers in Scotland, hence the birth of the MacCrimmons curse.

 

What actually causes Vikings disease is unknown; it is believed to be related to a chemical imbalance in the body. What we do know is that the disease is hereditary and is passed down through the generations. The condition is more likely to affect men in their fifties and older. People who suffer from alcoholism and are heavy smokers are more likely to suffer from Dupuytrens Contracture. The condition is not painful in most cases but will impact the ability to perform daily tasks, like cooking and writing.

 

Dupuytren’s Contracture needs to be treated as it will not correct itself. A doctor’s couple options that a doctor will prescribe like steroid injections and operation in many cases. However, it is recommended to use the Dupuytren’s wand, tape, and jelly to treat the condition as it is proven to ease the symptoms and allow regular use of the hands.