If lumps and deformities in your hand are pulling one of your fingers into a bent position, Dupuytren’s disease could be the cause. At Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist in Amarillo, Texas, orthopedic surgeon Kent Weinheimer, MD, and the team diagnose and treat Dupuytren’s disease. Their treatment restores your hand’s structure and function. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Dupuytren’s disease, also called Dupuytren’s contracture, is a hand deformity that develops over several years. It causes tissue knots to form under your skin. These knots cause a thick cord to pull one or more of your fingers into a bent position. When left untreated, Dupuytren’s disease prevents you from fully opening your hand and doing simple daily tasks.
If you experience Dupuytren’s disease, you might notice the following symptoms:
Dupuytren’s disease often develops slowly. Fingers usually affected are those farthest away from your thumb. Dupuytren’s disease can affect one or both of your hands.
The cause of Dupuytren's disease isn’t known. While it can happen to anyone, some things boost your risk of developing it. Examples include:
The ways you can reduce your risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease include not smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and properly controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
To find out if you have Dupuytren’s disease and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Weinheimer asks you about your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and examines your hand, wrist, and fingers. He looks for toughened bands, knots, the inability to straighten your fingers, and other signs of Dupuytren’s disease.
Dr. Weinheimer will suggest one of the following treatments for Dupuytren’s disease based on how severe your condition is:
Injecting enzymes (Xiaflex®) into a tight cord in your hand can weaken and soften it, allowing your specialist to manipulate the cord and straighten your fingers.
Needling uses a tiny needle to break up the tight or hard tissues in your hand. This procedure doesn’t require incisions. Dr. Weinheimer uses it to treat several fingers at the same time.
If you have advanced Dupuytren’s disease, surgery allows Dr. Weinheimer to remove tissues that contribute to hand deformities. The results are effective and long-lasting. In addition, completing physical therapy after surgery can improve your results.
Don’t let Dupuytren’s disease prevent you from being able to do simple everyday tasks. Call the Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist office at the first sign of the disease or book an appointment online.
