Outlook and Treatment
Outlook
There is no way to stop Dupuytren’s once it starts progressing. Stretching your hand and fingers not only does not help but may actually speed up the contracture. Treatment isn’t always needed for those with a moderate form of the disease. For more severe cases, that limit your ability to use your hand, surgery may be recommended.
Treatment
Treatment can improve symptoms. For those who have a severe form of Dupuytren's, a fasciotomy—a type of surgery—can be done to remove or divide tissue that has thickened. Although most see improvement following the procedure, contraction comes back 20% of the time. Two other procedures include an enzyme injection and needle aponeurotomy. With Enzyme injection a chemical is injected into the palm of your hand to break down the thickened tissue. An aponeurotomy involves breaking up thickened tissue by placing a needle through the skin.
Did you know...
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.