What is it about ?
The inside of the palm of the hand has a strong connective tissue structure, which begins at the wrist and extends in separate bands to the base of the 5 fingers. This structure is called the palmar fascia. It acts as an extension of the tendon of a muscle in the forearm (the palmar longus or palmaris longus) and as a strengthening of the skin of the palm of the hand.
Sometimes thickenings and scars form on these bands, which leads to the retraction of the palmar fascia and, as a result, its shortening. This is called Dupuytren’s disease. It is also known under the name of “disease of the driver” because it was formerly very common in the drivers.
We do not know the cause. It may be that small, recurring injuries, coupled with excessive scar formation, play a role in its occurrence.
Where do we meet her?
The anomaly occurs most often in middle-aged men and usually affects both hands. It is also more common in some families. Hereditary factors therefore seem to play a role. People with diabetes are more likely to develop Dupuytren’s disease. In addition, 3 in 100 people with Dupuytren’s disease also have the Peyronie’s disease (curvature of the penis).
How to recognize it?
You can palpate and observe bumps and cords on the palm of the hand, usually in the extension of the fingers. The bands that go to the little finger (the little finger) and the 4th finger (ring finger) are most affected. The 3th finger (middle finger) is less often affected, and the 2th finger (index finger) rarely is.
When the band also begins to shorten, the finger remains bent (flexion contracture) and it becomes impossible to stretch it completely. At a very advanced stage, the finger is bent so much that it touches the palm of the hand.
This disease is not painful. In some cases, the same type of anomaly appears simultaneously in the sole of the foot.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is usually evident by sight of the hand. No additional examination is therefore necessary.
What can you do ?
At the onset of the disease, you can try to relax the tendons and ligaments through palm stretching exercises. These exercises are performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist and can then be repeated at home. Their effectiveness, however, has not been demonstrated.
What can your doctor do?
In most cases, the doctor will not do anything at all. He will only refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if the position of the fingers begins to interfere with your daily activities. The orthopedist will then perform a surgical correction, which consists of incising the structure to release it.
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