We found no protective association between rheumatoid arthritis and Dupuytren's disease.
Dupuytren disease is a genetic disorder that often is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, but is most frequently seen with a multifactorial etiology. It is associated with diabetes, seizure disorders, smoking, alcoholism, HIV, and vascular disease.
Dupuytren's contracture: This form of arthritis causes the tissue beneath the hand to develop nodules in the fingers and palms. These lumps can cause the fingers to stick in place.
In terms of the immunological features of DD, evidence has persistently suggested the involvement of both T and B lymphocytes in DD etiology [7, 38]. As such, the disease has frequently been termed a “T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder” [6].
Inflammatory infiltration of palmar tissue from Dupuytren's contracture has been reported by several authors, who concluded that Dupuytren's contracture may be a chronic inflammatory disease.
Dupuytren disease doesn't only affect the palms of the hands. People with severe involvement often show lumps on the back of their finger joints (called “Garrod pads”, “knuckle pads”, or “dorsal Dupuytren nodules”) and lumps in the arch of one or both feet (Ledderhose disease).
Dupuytren contracture occurs most commonly after the age of 50. Sex. Men are much more likely to develop Dupuytren than are women. In men, symptoms may be worse and progress more quickly.
What causes Dupuytren's contracture? Dupuytren's contracture is believed to run in families (be hereditary). The exact cause is not known. It may be linked to cigarette smoking, alcoholism, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or medicines used to treat seizures.
There are no proven ways to prevent Dupuytren's disease or limit its progress.
Arthritis is common at the base of the thumb and can make it difficult for people to do normal activities like opening a bottle or turning a door knob. Dupuytren's contracture is caused by thickening of the connective tissue between the skin of the palm and the bones of the hand.
Dupuytren's disease can affect any finger on the hand, but it most often appears in the ring finger. It can affect one or both hands. There may be no pain associated with the hardening of the tissue, but sometimes the tissue can swell and cause joint pain, burning, or itching.
We observed a tendency toward changed frequencies of occurrence of central nervous system tumors, laryngeal cancer and non-melanoma skin cancers in DD families. The results of our study indicate a lack of a strong association between Dupuytren disease and familial cancer risk.
Dupuytren's contracture complications
If left untreated, Dupuytren's contracture can be debilitating. As the condition progresses, it can limit your ability to open your hand fully, grasp small objects, or insert your hands in narrow spaces.
Both alcohol and smoking are frequently mentioned as risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture. “The evidence for smoking is stronger than for drinking, and it makes sense because smoking, like diabetes, decreases blood supply to the hand,” Evans says.
Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disease that involves collagen deposition, leading to hand contractures that ultimately affect hand mobility and grip strength. It is a benign disorder but can cause high morbidity by limiting daily activities.
Soft-tissue manipulation and massage can be especially beneficial during the early stages of Dupuytren's contracture. Due to the fact that this is often a progressive condition, there's simply no reason to wait to see if “it gets better” before booking an appointment with a chiropractor to try to manage symptoms.
Exercises are not commonly recommended and are unlikely to prevent contractures. However some patients do report good results, even if for a limited period of time until the condition worsens and they need further treatment.
Surgery for Dupuytren contracture generally should be performed on an affected metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint if the contracture is 30° or greater. Such contractures most likely cause some debilitation for the patient.
In the early stages of the disease, steroid injections into the hard lump may help soften and flatten it. These injections also may help relieve pain from the nodules. Collagenase. Injecting a special enzyme, called collagenase, into the hard lumps and cords can soften and weaken them.
In ages 41 to 50 years there was no apparent increase among alcoholics when compared to nonalcoholic controls of the same age. However, in ages 51 to 60 years Dupuytren's contracture was significantly increased in alcoholics when compared to controls.
XIAFLEX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren's contracture when a “cord” can be felt.
Approximately 4 to 7 of every 10 people who have Dupuytren's also have a family history of the disease. For many who have the condition, some family members also have the disease. For this reason, some believe that Dupuytren's is an autosomal dominant disorder that is inherited.
This condition causes a limited range of motion in one or both hands. This complication can result in an inability to perform work tasks. If the condition is severe enough to prohibit them from working, individuals suffering from the condition can apply for Social Security disability insurance.
A Dupuytren's contracture typically progresses very slowly, over a period of years. Signs and symptoms of the condition may include: Nodules. You may develop one or more small lumps, or nodules, in the palm of your hand.