Embracing Healthy Hands in the Coachella Valley: Understanding Dupuytren's Contracture

With seemingly endless sunshine and clear blue skies, Coachella Valley is the perfect destination for outdoor activities and an active lifestyle. Therefore, keeping our hands healthy is vital to fully experiencing what our great community offers. As a hand surgeon, I would like to put the spotlight on Dupuytren's Contracture, a condition that particularly affects the palms and fingers.

What is Dupuytren's Contracture?

Dupuytren's Contracture is a hand deformity that progressively affects the connective tissue beneath the skin in the palm and fingers. Named after the French surgeon Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, this condition primarily impacts the fascia, a tissue layer beneath the skin in the palm and fingers.

Understanding Your Hands 

Typically, the fascia in our hands is flexible, allowing for smooth movement. However, in individuals with Dupuytren's Contracture, this tissue undergoes abnormal thickening and tightens over time. Dupuyturen's Contracture occurs when nodules and cords develop within the palm. As it progresses, these nodules can extend into cords that pull the affected fingers inward, causing them to curl towards the palm.

Who is at Risk? 

While the exact cause of Dupuytren's Contracture remains unclear, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition. These include:

• Age: Dupuytren's Contracture predominantly affects individuals over the age of 50.
• Gender: Men are more likely to experience Dupuytren's Contracture than women.
• Genetics: Individuals with a family history of the condition may have a higher risk.
• Ancestry: People of Northern European descent are more susceptible to this condition.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

• Nodules or lumps in the palm: Small, painless nodules may initially form beneath the skin.
• Cord formation: Over time, cords of tissue may develop, restricting finger movement.
• Finger contracture: The affected fingers, most commonly the ring and little fingers, may gradually bend towards the palm.

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Treatment Options

Early detection and intervention are vital in managing Dupuytren's Contracture. Treatment options may include:

• Observation: Monitoring may be recommended in some cases, particularly when the condition is in its early stages and not causing significant impairment.
• Needle Aponeurotomy: A minimally invasive procedure involving the insertion of a needle to break apart the cords, allowing improved finger extension.
• Collagenase Injections: Enzymatic injections soften and break down the cords, facilitating improved hand function.
• Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the tightened cords and restore finger movement.

How to Care for Your Hands

Regular hand exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking early medical attention for any changes in hand function can contribute to overall hand wellness. As a dedicated hand surgeon in the Coachella Valley, I am here to answer any questions and provide personalized care for individuals affected by Dupuytren's Contracture or any other hand-related concerns.

Our hands are essential tools, which makes their health a priority. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about hand health, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that the hands of men and women in the Coachella Valley remain strong, agile and ready to embrace the sunshine-filled days that our community is known for.

Here's to good health and strong hands.

Dr. Ramin Pooyan

Orthopedic Surgeon