In short, there are multiple medical approaches to help you regain hand function.
- Medications And Injections. Non-surgical approaches provide temporary relief for inflammation.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures. Enzyme injections dissolve tissue cords safely.
- Advanced Surgical Interventions. Surgery offers lasting results for severe cases.
Hand mobility issues can severely impact your daily routine. Learning about your medical options is the first step toward recovery.
Finding the right Dupuytren’s contracture treatment and hand arthritis therapies can restore your quality of life. The most effective options range from non-surgical therapies, such as steroid injections, to advanced surgical interventions.
What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition that impacts the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Over time, knots of tissue form under the skin and eventually create thick cords. These cords can pull one or more fingers into a bent position.
The condition often progresses slowly over many years. It typically affects the ring finger and the pinky finger.
Identifying The Symptoms
The earliest sign of this condition is often a thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. As the disease advances, you might notice firm lumps or nodules forming under the skin. These lumps can be sensitive to the touch, but they are rarely painful.
Eventually, the thick cords of tissue extend from the palm into the fingers. When this happens, the fingers are pulled toward the palm, and you can no longer fully straighten them.
What Are The Best Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment Options?
When the condition is mild, observation might be the only necessary course of action. However, as the fingers become more bent, medical intervention becomes necessary. A professional Dupuytren’s contracture treatment can help restore the natural position of your fingers.
Non-Surgical Treatments
● Steroid injections: Corticosteroid medications can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the nodules. While they do not straighten the finger, they can help relieve discomfort.
● Needle aponeurotomy: In this procedure, a physician uses a needle to puncture and break up the cords of tissue. It typically involves minimal recovery time.
● Enzyme injections: Such as collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex). The enzyme is injected directly into the cord to weaken it. The following day, the physician manipulates the finger to break the cord and help straighten the joint.
Surgical Treatments
For severe cases, a surgical Dupuytren’s contracture treatment is often the most effective choice. A surgeon can perform a fasciectomy to remove the diseased tissue completely. This surgery provides a more permanent solution, although the recovery period is longer.
In extreme cases, the surgeon might need to remove the overlying skin along with the tissue. In these instances, a skin graft is necessary to cover the open wound. Physical therapy is always required after a surgical Dupuytren’s contracture treatment to ensure proper healing.
What Is Hand Arthritis?
Hand arthritis is a separate condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints. This condition leads to pain, stiffness, and structural damage within the hand. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears away over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Both conditions can severely limit your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Spotting Arthritis In Hands Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis in the hands early can help you start medical therapies sooner. The most common symptom of arthritis in the hands is deep, aching joint pain. This pain is often more intense in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Another frequent symptom of arthritis in the hands is visible swelling around the affected joints. You might also experience a grinding or grating sensation when you move your fingers.
Furthermore, the development of bony nodules at the middle or end joints of the fingers is a classic symptom of arthritis in the hands. As the cartilage wears away, the joints may eventually become enlarged and deformed.
What Treatments Help Manage Hand Arthritis?
While there is no cure for arthritis, various medical treatments can effectively manage its symptoms. The main goals are to ease pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve joint mobility.
Medications And Injections
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), are often the first line of defense. For more severe pain, a doctor might prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications.
Corticosteroid injections can be delivered directly into the affected joint. These injections provide significant, fast-acting relief from inflammation.
Splinting And Physical Therapy
Wearing a splint or brace can support the joint and ease the stress placed on it. Splinting is particularly helpful during periods of intense pain or when performing strenuous activities.
A hand therapist can also teach you specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint. These exercises improve flexibility, enhance range of motion, and reduce overall stiffness.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment in Maryland
If you are struggling with an arthritic symptom in your hands or a bent finger, professional medical care is essential. Timely intervention can prevent permanent joint damage.
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our upper extremity specialists offer the most advanced treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture in Maryland. We have been the premier provider of hand and upper extremity orthopedic care since 1987. Our physicians understand the complexities of hand anatomy and provide comprehensive medical solutions.
Do not let hand pain keep you from the activities you love. Contact our dedicated staff today by calling (410) 296-6232 or use our appointment form to schedule an appointment.
