Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that impacts the fingers. It mainly affects the index, ring, and pinky fingers.
For many people, this disease will develop in both hands and can affect more than one finger. However, those who have developed Dupuytren’s Contracture in both hands may notice that it has a more significant effect on one hand compared to the other.
The tissues in the palm become thick and ‘tangled,’ causing fingers to curl in an inward position.
Dupuytren’s is a disease that cannot be fully cured. We only have a few treatment options, and most are expensive.
The treatments available can only slow the progression of this disease. Without the use of proper medication, Dupuytren’s can often develop into a more aggressive form known as ‘Dupuytren’s Diathesis’.
In the more aggressive form of Dupuytren’s the disease progresses much faster and has a higher chance of recurring, despite the use of treatments including creams.
Despite its slow progression, patients affected by Dupuytren’s should seek medical help. What starts as a slight pull on the fingers can slowly cause a permanent disability.
This occurs when the fingers become severely bent towards the palm, thus leading to an inability to perform day-to-day activities. We must mention that such extreme conditions are rare, but they do exist.
People affected by Dupuytren’s are often unable to perform the simplest of jobs. This puts a stop to their means of earning a living. Thankfully, people affected by Dupuytren’s can earn disability benefits based on the severity of the condition.
If someone wishes to claim their disability benefits, there are specific rules or criteria they must meet. These include:
The effects of this disease can be severe. Seek help before things get out of hand.