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Dupuytren's Disease Treatment Overview

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Care Plan

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First steps to consider

  • If you have symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease, like thickening skin or lump (nodule) on your palm that’s causing a finger to bend involuntarily, you should see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan.
  • Dupuytren’s disease can be treated with in-office procedures or surgery.
  • Stretching, self-massage, and exercises to relieve tension in your hand can help symptoms.
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When to see a healthcare provider

You should always see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease. These include visible cord-like bands and nodules on the palm that cause your fingers to involuntary bend. It’s also difficult to fully straighten the finger, and you may have skin dimpling (pitting).

Dupuytren’s is easier to treat in its early stages before it gets too severe, so it’s best to see a healthcare provider even if your symptoms are mild. It’s also important to see a provider to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, like flexor tendonitis, ganglion cysts, and soft tissue tumors.

Getting diagnosed

A healthcare provider will diagnose Dupuytren’s disease based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. The exam may include testing of sensation in your fingers and thumb and your ability to move them.

What to expect from your doctor visit

  • Mild-to-moderate cases of Dupuytren’s disease may be treated with in-office procedures to help you straighten your finger. Options include injections into the affected area with either a steroid solution or an enzyme solution (collagenase).
  • Another procedure your provider may try is using a needle to break the tight fibrous bands apart (needle aponeurotomy). You may need to have the procedure more than once to break down the bands.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be needed to cut out the tight bands. After surgery, you’ll need to do physical therapy for up to 12 weeks to help you regain your finger function and range of motion.

Types of Dupuytren’s disease providers

  • A primary care provider can diagnose Dupuytren’s disease.
  • You may be referred to an orthopedist for treatment. An orthopedist is a specialist who focuses on treating bones, tendons, and joints.
  • If you need surgery, you’ll be treated by an orthopedic surgeon or plastic surgeon.
  • A hand therapist can help you regain finger mobility following surgery.
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