Dupuytren's Disease Treatment Overview

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.

Managing Dupuytren’s disease at home

Always see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and treatment. But stretching, self-massage, and exercises to relieve tension in your hand can help your symptoms.

• Protect your hands with padded gloves when you do manual tasks. This reduces pressure on your palms that can irritate nodules and tender skin.
• Avoid curling your hand tightly.
• Use lighter pressure when you pick up items like a tool or coffee mug.
• Relieve tightness by massaging your hand and fingers.
• Stretching is also helpful. Your healthcare provider can teach you tension-relieving moves like finger lifts and palm raises.

Wellness and prevention

• Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight to help prevent diabetes, which is a risk factor for Dupuytren’s disease. Focus on whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, fish, and nuts.
• Quit smoking. Smoking has been linked to Dupuytren’s disease and can aggravate the condition.