Dupuytren's contracture - Diagnosing Dupuytren's contracture
- Introduction
- Symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture
- Causes of Dupuytren's contracture
- Diagnosing Dupuytren's contracture
- Treating Dupuytren's contracture
- Recovering from surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture
- "I'm delighted with the results of the operation"
If you see your GP because you think you may have Dupuytren's contracture, they will examine your palm and hand for signs of the condition.
Characteristic signs of Dupuytren's contracture are:
- lumps of tissue (nodules)
- dimples or pitted marks
- thickened skin
- bent fingers
Dupuytren’s contracture affects everyone differently, so you will be asked about any specific symptoms you have and any problems with carrying out daily activities. Some people are troubled by quite a minor deformity while others are able to cope with a major one.
If you are unable to fully extend one of your fingers, your GP may refer you to a specialist at a local hand surgery unit for further assessment and any necessary treatment.
Assessing the need for treatment
If your finger is curling into your palm, the amount of deformity will be measured to determine the severity of the condition.
In mild cases, no treatment may be recommended because there is a chance the condition won't get any worse. If the condition is more severe, treatment with medication or a minor procedure called a needle fasciotomy may be recommended.
In the most severe cases, surgery to correct the problem may be recommended.
Read more about treating Dupuytren’s contracture.
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