• Covid-19
  • Find A Provider
  • Patient Portal (eCare)
  • Careers
  • Make a Gift
  • WCHConnect App
  • (330) 263-8100
  • Covid-19
  • Find a Provider
  • Patient Portal (eCare)
  • Careers
  • Make a Gift
  • (330) 263-8100
Wooster Community Hospital - Health System
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
  • Services
        • Custom Services Menu Nov2021

          • View All Services
          • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
          • Emergency Care
          • Endocrinology
          • Gastroenterology
          • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
          • Obstetrics
          • Pharmacy
          • Cancer Care Cancer Care
          • Rehabilitation Rehabilitation
          • Women's Health Women's Health
          • Behavioral Health Behavioral Health
          • Cardiovascular Care Cardiovascular Care
          • Surgery Surgery
  • Services
        • Behavioral Health Services
        • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
        • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
        • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
        • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
        • Colonoscopy
        • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
        • Diagnostic Imaging
        • Emergency Care
        • Endocrinology
        • Endoscopy
        • ERcheckin
        • Gastroenterology
        • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
        • Home Health Services
        • Home Helpers
        • Hospitalists
        • Internal Medicine
        • Intensive Care Unit - ICU
        • Inpatient Rehabilitation
        • Joint Center
        • Laboratory
        • Medical/Surgical Unit
        • Neurology
        • Nutrition & Diabetes
        • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
        • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
        • Orthopedics
        • Pain Management
        • Pharmacy
        • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
        • Progressive Care Unit - PCU
        • Pulmonary Health
        • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
        • Sleep Medicine
        • Speech Therapy
        • Spine Surgery
        • Stroke Center
        • Surgery
        • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
        • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
        • Wound Healing Center
        • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
        • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
        • Vascular Surgery
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
    • WCH Friends Program
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos
Wooster Community Hospital - Health System
WCH Friends Program
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
  • Services
  • Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
    • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
    • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
    • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
    • Colonoscopy
    • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Care
    • Endocrinology
    • Endoscopy
    • ERcheckin
    • Gastroenterology
    • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
    • Home Health Services
    • Home Helpers
    • Hospitalists
    • Internal Medicine
    • Intensive Care Unit – ICU
    • Inpatient Rehabilitation
    • Joint Center
    • Laboratory
    • Medical/Surgical Unit
    • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
    • Neurology
    • Nutrition & Diabetes
    • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
    • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
    • Orthopedics
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
    • Pain Management
    • Pharmacy
    • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Progressive Care Unit – PCU
    • Pulmonary Health
    • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Surgery
    • Stroke Center
    • Surgery
    • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
    • Vascular Surgery
    • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
    • Wound Healing Center
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
    • WCH Friends Program
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos
WCH Friends Program
You are here: Home / Patient Education Article

Dupuytren's Disease

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery

Introduction

Dupuytren’s disease causes an abnormal thickening of the tissues located underneath the skin in the palm of the hand. As the tissue thickens it can form lumps and strong cords. The abnormal growth causes the fingers to bend in towards the palm of the hand.  Severe symptoms can cause contractures and loss of hand function. Dupuytren’s disease generally progresses slowly, but progression is unpredictable.
Back to top

Anatomy

The palm of your hand contains ligaments and tendons.  Ligaments are strong bands of tissues that connect your bones together.  Tendons attach muscles to bone.  The tendons in the palm of your hand flex or bend your fingers inward.  Your ligaments and tendons are covered and kept in place by the palmar fascia, a thin sheet of connective tissue.  The palmar fascia is located just beneath your skin.
Back to top

Causes

The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is unknown.  It may be associated with abnormal biochemical processes in the palmar fascia.  It is more common in people of Northern European descent.  It occurs more frequently in men than in women.  Dupuytren’s disease is rare among young people and more common in people over 40 years old.  If it occurs in young people, the condition tends to be very severe and quickly progressing.
 
Smoking and drinking alcohol increase the risk of Dupuytren’s disease.  Certain medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of Dupuytren’s disease.  Such conditions include diabetes, thyroid problems, epilepsy, pulmonary tuberculosis, and liver disease.
Back to top

Symptoms

The onset of Dupuytren’s disease is very slow.  Both hands may be affected but usually one hand is more affected than the other.  You may notice a small tender lump in the palm of your hand.  The tenderness will go away as Dupuytren’s disease typically is not painful.  Over time, tough cords may form beneath your skin.  The thickened tissue may cause your fingers to bend inward toward your palm.  Your ring finger and little finger are affected most often.  You may have difficulty straightening your fingers. 
 
The progression of Dupuytren’s disease is unpredictable.  For some, the condition may consist of a lump or thickening of the tissue.  Other people may experience severe symptoms, including contractures and loss of hand function.
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose Dupuytren’s disease by examining your hand.  You should tell your doctor about any symptoms and if they restrict the use of your hand.  Your doctor will look at and feel the skin on the palm of your hand for thickened tissue or nodules.  Your doctor will observe your finger positioning and test the movement of your finger joints.  You may be asked to perform the Table Top Test, in which you will attempt to place your open hand on a surface and flatten your palm and fingers out as far as you can.  This will be difficult in the presence of finger contractures.
Back to top

Treatment

There is no way to stop the progression of Dupuytren’s disease.  Your doctor will monitor the progress of your disease.  Injections may help relieve the pain in a lump that has formed early in the disease process.  Surgery is recommended if the fingers become flexed enough to interfere with the functional use of your hand.
 
Injectable enzymes to dissolve the diseased tissue were FDA approved in 2010. The product is called Xiaflex. Studies and ongoing use of the enzyme have shown success in treating finger contractures caused by Dupuytrens Disease.
Back to top

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to increase the movement of your fingers and restore their correct positions to improve hand functioning.  There are several different options for this.  Your surgeon may simply divide the thickened bands in a procedure called fasciotomy.  Your surgeon may remove the sheet of diseased palmar fascia in a procedure called fasciectomy.  In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary.
Back to top

Recovery

Following surgery, you will participate in rehabilitation with a hand therapist who will instruct you in strengthening and stretching exercises.  You may receive therapy treatments to reduce swelling and ease pain.  Your hand therapist will provide you with a splint to position your hand and promote healing.
 
Surgery is not always a permanent solution for Dupuytren’s Disease.  The condition tends to gradually recur over time. 
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

Learn about common medical conditions and treatments in our interactive patient education center.

Read More

Tell us what you think!

Tell us what you think!

We’d love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and read about the experiences others have had at Wooster Community Hospital.

Leave a Review Read Reviews
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Community
  • Careers
  • Telehealth
  • Locations
  • Contact Us

1761 Beall Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691 | Phone: (330) 263-8100

Copyright © Wooster Community Hospital. All Rights Reserved.

  • Employees/Physicians
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Discrimination Policy
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Wooster Community Hospital (WCH) Health System offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services serving the residents of Wayne County, Ohio. Our health care services include urgent care, cardiac rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, wound healing, behavioral health services, weight loss management, emergency care, cardiovascular services, outpatient rehabilitation services, inpatient withdrawal treatments, comprehensive cancer care, women's health care, diabetic services, robotic-assisted surgery, anesthesiology, chiropractic services, colonoscopy, endocrinology, endoscopy, internal medicine, pulmonary health services, pharmacy services, orthopedics, speech therapy, sleep medicine, and oncology and infusion services.

You have a lot to gain from being proactive about your health. Wooster Community Hospital’s VIP patient loyalty program now offers even more rewards and incentives!

  • Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com
Copyright © WCH Friends Program. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
    • Back
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
      • Back
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
      • Back
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
    • Back
  • Services
  • Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
    • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
    • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
    • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
    • Colonoscopy
    • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Care
    • Endocrinology
    • Endoscopy
    • ERcheckin
    • Gastroenterology
    • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
    • Home Health Services
    • Home Helpers
    • Hospitalists
    • Internal Medicine
    • Intensive Care Unit – ICU
    • Inpatient Rehabilitation
    • Joint Center
    • Laboratory
    • Medical/Surgical Unit
    • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
    • Neurology
    • Nutrition & Diabetes
    • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
    • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
    • Orthopedics
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
    • Pain Management
    • Pharmacy
    • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Progressive Care Unit – PCU
    • Pulmonary Health
    • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Surgery
    • Stroke Center
    • Surgery
    • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
    • Vascular Surgery
    • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
    • Wound Healing Center
    • Back
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
      • Back
    • WCH Friends Program
    • Back
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
    • Back
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
    • Back
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos