Can't straighten your fingers? It could be Dupuytren's contracture

If you are unable to straighten your curled-in fingers, then it's time to see the doctor. — TNS

Dupuytren (DOO-puh-tren) contracture is a disorder that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand, primarily the ring and small fingers.

It’s a genetic condition mostly affecting men over 60 of Northern European descent.

Others at risk include people with diabetes and those with a family history of the condition.

Mayo Clinic hand and peripheral nerve surgeon Dr Shelley Noland explains: “What happens in Dupuytren’s disease is the layer of fascia that is underneath the skin in the palm gets thickened and contracted.”

That can make your fingers curl in, and the affected fingers can’t straighten completely.

It’s not painful, but she says: “It can cause significant functional limitations because the patients are unable to fully straighten out their fingers.”

It most often affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb.

Patients with advanced disease will need an intervention to relieve the contracture.

There are several treatment options.

An enzyme injection is a newer, less invasive treatment.

“It actually dissolves the thickened Palmer cords and fascia, allowing the fingers to straighten,” says Dr Noland.

So, how do you know if you need to see a specialist for your condition?

Here’s a tabletop test.

As Dr Noland explains: “Lay your hand flat on the table.

“If you’re able to lay it flat, then you probably will not require any intervention.

“But if you’re unable to lay it flat because of the contractures in the fingers, then you would want to seek care with a hand surgeon specialising in Dupuytren’s disease.” – By Deb Balzer/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service