Is Dupuytren’s Disease Painful?

Dupuytren’s disease should be taken seriously, as it affects the fingers and palm, which are used intensively during nearly every daily activity in someone's life. Generally, it only affects one finger, but more severe cases may cause multiple fingers to bend and stiffen to the point of immobility.

Dupuytren's is known to be caused by an abnormal thickening of the tissue that lies directly under the skin of the palm. This thickening usually begins with the appearance of lumps or small bumps in the palm.

When Does Dupuytren’s Become a Problem?

Despite the formation of lumps or nodules in the palm, 70 to 90% of people affected by Dupuytren's disease experience little to no changes in their everyday lives. The other 10 to 30% may experience drastic lifestyle changes resulting from Dupuytren's. This is due to the progression of the disease, which leads to the formation of thick cords that pull on one or more fingers until they become bent towards the palm.

This initial phase is when the disease becomes a problem. It comes in the way of performing everyday activities such as picking up objects, typing, using your cellphone, and more. When this occurs, the disease usually moves toward the point where people need help to do everyday tasks.

Is Dupuytren’s Disease Painful?

There is a common perception that Dupuytren’s Disease is not painful. This is untrue and has been based upon the experience of a small group of people with mild cases of Dupuytren's. A study conducted on patients suffering from the first phase of Dupuytren’s showed that they felt pain around the nodules that have developed.

Experts believe this happens because nerves along the palm become compressed. These nerves are pressed down due to the fibromatosis (abnormal multiplication) of certain tissue cells in the palm.

On the other hand, about one in five people with Dupuytren's experience itching as the skin begins to stretch or tighten around the nodules. While one in three patients experience pain, this pain may be due to pre-existing medical conditions such as arthritis. 

Is There a Cure for the Pain?

In the case of pain that results from a compressed nerve, painkillers can be administered to ease or stop the pain completely. Creams may also be beneficial when combined with gentle massage to the area. This can help decompress or remove pressure from the nerve that is experiencing issues.

Conclusion

In general, there is no way to entirely cure Dupuytren's or the complications it can bring along. The only way to manage this condition is through an early diagnosis that can prompt preventive techniques and measures that stop its progression. On the brighter side, most cases of Dupuytren’s disease are benign and cause no extreme complications. Regardless of what your symptoms are, you stand to benefit from a contracture cream to minimize stiffness and pain in the hand. Dupuytren's all-natural contracture cream has helped many customers effectively deal with the symptoms of Dupuytren's.

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