There are a few things to clear up about Dupuytren’s Contracture and Trigger Finger. Despite what you May have heard about these two conditions, there are some differences between them. When you are suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture, the bent finger cannot be straightened out, whereas a finger bent by Trigger Finger can be straightened. In the majority of cases, Dupuytren’s Contracture is pain-free; this is not the case with Trigger Finger. Trigger Finger is the most common condition to affect the hands’ tendons, with De Quervains Tenosynovitis being second. In comparison, Dupuytren’s Contracture is way down the list.
Dupuytren’s Contracture starts as a lump or module in the hand that pulls on the cords making straightening the finger impossible. The pulling will cause the finger to bend towards the palm in an unnatural way. As mentioned before, this condition is not painful in most cases; however, it does make daily tasks extremely difficult to perform.
When the patient attempts to straighten out their finger with Trigger Finger, there is a catching that will then click, making a popping sound. The unnatural movement of the finger is known to be painful. Trigger Finger patients will notice stiffness and often tenderness in the affected finger. When it goes untreated, Trigger Finger can worsen and cause long-term damage to the patients’ tendons.
What causes Dupuytren’s Contracture and Trigger Finger?
Now that we know the different symptoms associated with Dupuytren’s disease and Trigger Finger, let’s look at what causes them in the first place. Trigger finger happens when swelling causes the tendon sheath to narrow, which makes the tendon catch or lock-in position. In severe cases, the finger will become locked in a bent position and require surgery to correct. Repetitive gripping can cause a trigger finger to develop. It is common in people who work with computers because of the gripping of the mouse. The Trigger fingers are more common in women than men. The condition is also more likely to affect those who have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Trigger Finger can also be a side effect of carpal tunnel surgery.
Unlike Trigger Finger, Dupuytren’s Contracture has no actual cause. The condition is hereditary, with it being passed down from generation to generation. People of Northern European descent are the most common patients. This dates back to the Vikings, who spread the disease throughout Northern Europe. Dupuytren’s Contracture is also known as Vikings Disease for that exact reason. The condition is also believed to be connected to a chemical imbalance in the body. With that being said, it is more likely in people who drink alcohol heavily and in cigarette smokers. There is also a connection between liver disease, epilepsy, and diabetes. The condition is also more likely to affect men than women. You will usually find Dupuytren’s Contracture in adults over 30; it can be seen in other ages but is less common.
How can you treat Trigger Finger and Dupuytren’s Contracture?
If you are looking to treat Trigger Finger, there are several options for you to choose from. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication to help treat the trigger finger. The use of a splint is also common when treating the condition; however, it can be cumbersome and make activities more challenging to perform. You can also massage the affected finger; this can be extremely painful. A percutaneous release is also used in some Trigger Finger cases. This procedure is when the doctor takes a needle and inserts it into the affected area; the needle is then used to release the blocked area. A percutaneous release doesn’t involve any incision of any kind. In extreme conditions, the patient will require surgery to correct the situation.
There are plenty of options for Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment. The most common treatment is surgery. The surgery involves a zigzag-shaped incision in the affected area, and then the infected tissue is removed. The surgery comes with numerous risks, including potential nerve and tissue damage. An unsightly scar is left behind, and in some circumstances, the condition returns. Another Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment is a steroid injection. Collagenase is often used in the treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture; this enzyme will breakdown the collagen in the hand, allowing freedom of movement. The collagenase is administered as an injection and can come with many side effects, including bleeding, itching, and edema.
One of Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment that is known to be extremely useful is the use of the Dupuytren’s wand. The Dupuytren’s wand will improve blood flow to the affected area, reducing swelling and softening the nodules. To make the best use of the Dupuytren’s wand, you should follow it up with the Dupuytren’s tape. The tape will allow a full range of motion and stretch the finger out to help it heal naturally. You can find the two items at dupuytren cure.
