Bent fingers or lumps in your palms are common signs of a treatable condition known as Dupuytren’s contracture. While this condition isn’t usually painful, it can interfere with your normal activities and quality of life. Conveniently located in the West End of Richmond David Glapern, MD, and the team at Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center provide medications and minimally invasive treatments like needle aponeurotomy to help you regain the full use of your hand. To learn more, call the office or schedule a consultation online today with a Dupuytren’s contracture specialist in Richmond.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive disease that causes your fingers to bend into your palm. The first sign of the condition is usually small lumps in the palm of your hand or at the base of your small fingers or ring finger.
The lumps may gradually turn into cords, stretching into your fingers and making them bend inwards. As the disease advances, it can make it difficult for you to perform daily activities with your hand.
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture isn’t known. Some blame the condition on injuries, but science does not support these claims. Dupuytren’s contracture tends to run in families. It is especially common in Caucasians, principally those with Northern European heritage.
Dupuytren’s contracture usually is not painful. Common symptoms of the disease include:
In many cases, you may see symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture in both hands. However, each hand can be affected differently.
Because Dupuytren’s contracture progresses slowly, Dr. Galpern may want to monitor you over time. If your condition is more serious, you may benefit from treatment to help you regain full use of your hand.
Dr. Galpern may recommend one of the following treatments:
With this medication used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, Dr. Galpern makes three injections into your hand. Afterward, you’ll undergo gentle manipulation of your hand within 48 hours to complete the treatment.
This surgical procedure is performed at Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center. After numbing your hand, Dr. Galpern uses a fine needle to carefully cut away the diseased tissue. Afterwards, you’ll likely have some bruising, but recovery times are generally shorter than with open hand surgery.
In some cases, however, you may need open hand surgery to remove the diseased tissue and restore the use of your hand.
If you have Dupuytren’s contracture and you’ve been searching for options to help you use your hands the way you used to, it’s time to consider help from Dr. Galpern, a board-certified specialist. Call Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center or book a consultation online today.
(804) 506-3050
(804) 506-3050