It can be alarming to notice a lump in the palm of your hand, or to find that one of your fingers is starting to curl inward. These can be signs of Dupuytren’s contracture, a hand condition that affects the connective tissue in your palm. While it’s not a life-threatening condition, it can make everyday tasks difficult.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hand and upper extremity conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and hand specialists is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to help you regain function and get back to the activities you love. We have several convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to serve you.
Overview: What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s (pronounced du-pwe-trans) contracture is a progressive condition that affects the palmar fascia, a layer of connective tissue that lies just beneath the skin of your palm. In people with Dupuytren’s, this fascia begins to thicken and form hard knots, or nodules. Over time, these nodules can develop into thick cords that extend into the fingers, pulling them toward the palm and preventing them from straightening. This bent position of the fingers is called a contracture.
The condition most commonly affects the ring and little fingers, but it can occur in any finger. It can affect one or both hands. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to have a strong genetic component.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The first sign of Dupuytren’s contracture is usually a small, firm lump or nodule in the palm of your hand. You might not even notice it at first, as it’s often painless. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin on your palm.
- The formation of thick cords that run from your palm into your fingers.
- Difficulty straightening one or more fingers. This is the hallmark of Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Inability to lay your hand flat on a table, a test known as the “tabletop test.”
While the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by an injury or overuse of the hand.
Common Risk Factors
While anyone can develop Dupuytren’s contracture, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Age: The condition is most common in people over the age of 50.
- Ancestry: It is most prevalent in people of Northern European (English, Irish, Scottish, French, Dutch) or Scandinavian (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish) descent.
- Heredity: Dupuytren’s contracture often runs in families. If you have a close relative with the condition, you are at a higher risk of developing it.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop Dupuytren’s contracture than women, and they tend to develop it earlier in life.
- Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, seizure disorders (epilepsy), and thyroid problems have been linked to an increased risk of Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may also increase your risk.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics for Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area?
When you’re dealing with a hand condition that affects your daily life, you want to be confident that you’re receiving the best possible care. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of hand and upper extremity specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating Dupuytren’s contracture. We offer a range of treatment options, from non-surgical therapies to advanced surgical techniques, and we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
We understand that seeking medical care can be stressful, which is why we are committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment for our patients. We will take the time to answer your questions, explain your treatment options, and ensure that you are comfortable and informed every step of the way. With several convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, we make it easy to get the expert care you need.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our hand specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your hand function. Contact us today to learn more or to request an appointment.
