Did you know that Dupuytren’s cContracture affects approximately 5% of the U.S. population? The prevalence is even higher for individuals over 40. This condition, which causes fingers to curl inward, often begins with subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss. Recognizing these early signs is key to managing the condition effectively and maintaining your hand function.
At Pittsburgh Hand & Nerve, we have the region's top peripheral nerve injuryDupuytren’s contracture expert. You can experience top-of-the-line care from the best hand and nerve surgeon right here in the Pittsburgh area. We specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like Dupuytren's cContracture, offering personalized plans to help you find relief and restore function. If you are noticing changes in your hand, schedule an appointment with our team today.
Let’s explore the five early signs you should watch for.
The 5 Early Signs of Dupuytren's Contracture
Catching Dupuytren's contracture early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Watch for these initial symptoms, which often appear gradually.
1. Lumps or Bumps in Your Palm
One of the very first signs is the appearance of small, hard lumps or nodules under the skin of your palm. These bumps are firm and stuck to the skin, meaning they won't move around when you press on them. While they may feel tender or uncomfortable at first, this sensitivity usually subsides.
2. Skin Puckering or Dimpling
You might notice that the skin on your palm looks indented or puckered. This happens as the underlying tissue, known as fascia, begins to thicken and pull on the skin above it. These deep creases can be a subtle but important early indicator.
3. Thick Cords of Tissue
Following the initial lumps, you may feel firm cords of tissue extending from your palm toward your fingers. These cords are the thickened fascia and are a classic sign of Dupuytren's contracture. They are not tendons and are located just beneath the skin.
4. Difficulty Flattening Your Hand
A simple test can reveal an early symptom: try placing your hand completely flat on a table, palm down. If you can't get your hand to lie perfectly flat because your fingers are starting to be pulled downward, it could be due to the tightening cords of Dupuytren's. This is often referred to as the 'tabletop test.'
5. Beginning of Finger Curling
The condition most commonly affects the ring and small fingers. An early sign is a slight, involuntary curling or bending of these fingers toward the palm. This curling or bending is what causes the loss of function over time, making it difficult to perform daily tasks like washing your face, shaking hands, or putting on gloves.
Differentiating Dupuytren’s From Other Hand Conditions
Several conditions can affect the hands, so it's important to know what makes Dupuytren's contracture distinct.
- Trigger Finger: This condition causes a finger to lock or catch when you try to straighten it, often with a painful popping sensation. Unlike Dupuytren's, trigger finger is caused by inflammation of a tendon or tendon sheath, not the thickening of the fascia.
- Arthritis: Arthritis typically involves joint inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knuckles. Dupuytren's, on the other hand, is generally not painful and affects the palm and the tissue beneath the skin, not the joints themselves.
- Ganglion Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can appear on the hand or wrist. They are usually soft and movable, unlike the hard, fixed nodules of Dupuytren's contracture.
The key differentiators for Dupuytren's are its painless progression, the presence of nodules and cords in the palm, and its tendency to affect the ring and small fingers specifically.
Why Early Detection is Crucial
Identifying Dupuytren's contracture in its early stages is vital for effective management. When caught early, your specialist can monitor the condition's progression and recommend treatment at the most opportune time. Early intervention can help preserve your hand's function and may allow for less invasive treatment options. Delaying diagnosis can lead to more severe contractures that are harder to treat and more likely to require surgery.
Treatment Options at Pittsburgh Hand & Nerve
At Pittsburgh Hand & Nerve, Dr. Alexander Spiess develops personalized treatment plans based on the stage of your condition and your personal goals. Treatment isn't always necessary for mild cases that don't impact hand function. For those who need intervention, options include:
- Needle Aponeurotomy: A minimally invasive procedure where a needle is used to puncture and break the cord of tissue, causing the finger to contract.
- Enzyme Injections (XIAFLEX®): This FDA-approved, nonsurgical treatment involves injecting an enzyme directly into the cord. The enzyme works to dissolve the thickened tissue, and Dr. Spiess will later manipulate the finger to straighten it.
- Surgery: For advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the thickened fascia and release the contracture. Dr. Spiess is an expert in surgical techniques designed to restore hand function and mobility.
Don't Let Dupuytren's Contracture Control Your Hands
Recognizing the early signs of Dupuytren's Contracture, like lumps in your palm or curling fingers, is the first step toward effective management. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, the expert team at Pittsburgh Hand & Nerve is here to provide a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Take control of your hand health today. Schedule a consultation for Dupuytren's cContracture treatment with our specialists at Pittsburgh Hand & Nerve to explore your options and restore your hand's function.
