Dupuytren's Contracture Is a medical condition affecting the hand and fingers. It is also known as Viking finger syndrome caused by the thickening of tissues in the palm. As the condition develops, it affects one or more fingers in the palm, and the fingers start to bend inwards. The condition mostly affects the ring finger, followed by the little finger and then the middle finger. Usually, both hands are affected simultaneously.
This condition is usually not painful, but it may affect the daily activities of the patient. For example, folded fingers hamper normal activities like buttoning the shirt, taking out mobile from the pocket, holding things, and so on.
Why is Dupuytren's Contracture called Viking disease?
Dupuytren's Contracture is also by other names such as Viking's Disease syndrome and Baron Dupuytren's Disease. The first name comes from the belief that this condition originated among the Vikings who were Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, many people believed that it spread throughout northern Europe.
The first person to operate this condition was Dr. Guillaume Dupuytren, from France. He was one of the most accomplished surgeons in Europe, and after writing and publishing a detailed description of the condition, Viking's Disease was named after him.
Signs and Symptoms of Dupuytren's Contracture
Since this condition grows over the year, it takes a while to notice something wrong with their hand.
Typically, the most common signs include:
- The skin on the palm of the affected hand starts getting thicker
- Dimples on the skin
- Inability to straighten fingers
- Painless cords can be felt through the skin
- Hard bumps on the palm
- A ropelike growth
Causes and risk factors of Dupuytren's Contracture
The actual cause of Viking's Disease syndrome is unknown. However, many risk factors increase a person's likelihood of suffering from it. One of the biggest factors is smoking. So, if you still need another reason to stop, here it is.
Other conditions that may increase the likelihood of developing Dupuytren's Contracture are:
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Occupations with exposure to regular vibrations
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Family medical history
- Being over 50
- Gender: It's common in males
- Ancestry: It's common in people of northern European descent
Treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture
Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, a person receives a conservative treatment, including collagen injections or needling. However, surgery is necessary if the condition still doesn't improve or worsens after receiving nonsurgical treatment.
Unfortunately, there's no exact cure for Viking's Disease syndrome, and even after surgery, the condition reappears. However, when conservative treatment doesn't work, it is worth considering a surgical procedure to regain the function of the affected hand.
If you are facing Dupuytren’s disease, ultrasound can help you in increasing the range of motion and flexibility in hand movements, Duputyren’s wand is such a device that provides effective results.
Benefits of ultrasound therapy are - it improves wrist and finger flexibility, reduces swelling and inflammation instantly and decreases stiffness.
Read more about the Dupuytren’s contracture ultrasound treatment or simply visit the website Dupuytrencure.
