Rolling With It
Understanding Dupuytren's Contracture and Its Treatment
by RistRoller Crew
Dupuytren’s contracture, also called “Viking’s Disease,” is a condition of the hand affecting the underlying palm tissue. It is not the same as Dupuytren’s Disease, which can affect other parts of the body. As Dupuytren’s contracture slowly progresses, the palmar fascia gets thicker and shortens, ultimately forming fibrous cords beneath the skin, constricting the tendons and causing one or more fingers to bend inward toward the palm.
This condition often takes years to develop. One of the first signs of Dupuytren’s is a thickening of palm tissue. In time, you may notice puckering or dimples in the thickened tissue. Small knots of eventually form beneath the skin of your palm. These lumps are not especially painful, but they may hurt when pressed. The lumps slowly grow into cords that extend along the palm of your hand and up into the fingers. The ring and pinky fingers are the most often affected. You may lose your grip strength and have trouble holding onto objects.
This condition often takes years to develop. One of the first signs of Dupuytren’s is a thickening of palm tissue. In time, you may notice puckering or dimples in the thickened tissue. Small knots of eventually form beneath the skin of your palm. These lumps are not especially painful, but they may hurt when pressed. The lumps slowly grow into cords that extend along the palm of your hand and up into the fingers. The ring and pinky fingers are the most often affected. You may lose your grip strength and have trouble holding onto objects.