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Dupuytren's Contracture services offered in Porterville, Reedley and Visalia, CA
At first, you may notice a painless lump or cord of tissue in your palm, and before long, one of your fingers uncontrollably bends inward. These problems often mean you have Dupuytren's contracture. The board-certified hand surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services offer comprehensive care for this condition, helping to improve your hand function with treatments ranging from injections to surgery. Don't wait to have your hand evaluated if you notice the signs. Call the office in Visalia, Porterville, or Reedley, California, or book an appointment online today.
What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's contracture affects the fascia, a layer of tissues that anchors the skin on the palm side of your hand. If you have this condition, the fascia thickens, tightens, and forms into cords.
As the tissues change, they pull one or more of your fingers, bending them toward your palm. Your ring and little fingers are most likely to be affected.
What symptoms does Dupuytren's contracture cause?
Bent fingers are the primary symptom, but you may have other signs before your fingers bend. As the fascia gets tighter, it changes into visible cords from your palm to your fingers.
You may also develop lumps under your skin that feel firm but usually aren't painful. The lumps gradually enlarge, causing the appearance of pits in your palm.
Dupuytren's contracture worsens without treatment, making it difficult to straighten your fingers. In advanced cases, your fingers remain bent, making it hard or impossible to use your hand.
How is Dupuytren's contracture treated?
Your provider may recommend monitoring your hand in the early stages of Dupuytren's contracture.
The condition progresses at a different speed for each person. It may never need treatment if the progression is slow; however, it's time to get help when the contracture (bent finger) prevents your hand from lying flat on a table.
Your hand specialist at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services explains that the cords, nodules, and bent fingers may come back after your treatment. However, the following treatment options can significantly improve your finger movement:
Needle fasciotomy
Your provider applies a numbing medication, then inserts a needle into the cord, using the needle to weaken and break down the cord. They stretch your fingers, gently breaking the cord and improving finger movement.
Open fasciotomy
During an open fasciotomy, your provider separates and cuts the thick cord but leaves it in your hand.
Subtotal palmar fasciectomy
If you have this procedure, your provider removes as much of the thickened tissue as possible.
You begin hand therapy within the first week after your surgery. Though your grip may return in a month, it often takes 1-3 months to regain a strong grip and full finger movement.
If you have questions about bent fingers, call Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services or book an appointment online today.