Natural treatments dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition characterized by the thickening of tissue in the palm, leading to the inability to fully straighten one or more fingers, particularly the ring or little finger. While the exact cause remains unclear, it is believed to have a hereditary component and can progress slowly without significant discomfort. Individuals seeking natural treatments for Dupuytren's contracture may find limited options available, as there are no well-documented remedies. Some alternative approaches have included the use of vitamin E, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10, although the evidence supporting their effectiveness is inconclusive and more research is needed. Hand exercises and stretches are commonly recommended to help maintain flexibility and range of motion, while massage may improve blood flow and alleviate stiffness. Additionally, adopting a dietary approach rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, may assist in managing symptoms. Those considering these natural treatments should proceed with caution and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Natural treatments dupuytren's contracture
- DEFINITION: Treatment of the thickening of tissue in the palm of the hand.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Vitamin E, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, hand exercises, stretches, massage, dietary changes
Introduction
Named for a nineteenth-century French baron, Dupuytren’s contracture is a thickening of tissue in the palm of the hand that causes an inability to straighten one or more fingers, usually the ring finger or little finger. The involved tissue hardens and shrinks, forming a small lump or “cord” in the palm. Discomfort is unusual. The condition can involve both hands or even the toes, and it tends to progress slowly.
Persons with Dupuytren’s contracture may wonder if an injury to their hands caused the condition; if injury played any role, it was probably not a major one. Although the condition's exact cause is unknown, the disorder appears to be partially inherited. Surgery may be useful if the contracture becomes troublesome for the affected person.
Proposed Natural Treatments
There are no well-documented natural treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture. However, in the 1940s, several physicians reported attempts to treat the condition with vitamin E. Most reported some success; however, their reports were incomplete and highly subjective, leading others to question their findings.
In 1952, two different researchers added an objective measure to their investigations by examining plaster casts of patients’ hands before and after treatment, but their results were conflicting. One researcher treated a group of nineteen people with 300 milligrams (mg) daily of oral vitamin E for three hundred days and reported moderate improvement in the amount of contraction. In contrast, the other researcher found no improvement among forty-six people receiving 200 mg of vitamin E daily for three months.
The results are not particularly meaningful because neither of these studies used a control group. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and very few have been conducted on vitamin E in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Although some have shown positive results, more research is needed. The US Food and Drug Administration approved using collagenase injections for Dupuytren's contracture. Injections of steroids or a special enzyme, called collagenase, are also used in the twenty-first century to relax the condition. Magnesium and coenzyme Q10 have also shown promise in treating Dupuytren's contracture. Hand exercises are also recommended for patients to retain flexibility in the hand and maintain a range of movement. Massaging the hand can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. Finally, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help manage the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture.
Bibliography
Ambardekar, Nayana. "Dupuytren's: Questions for and From Your Doctor." WebMD, 6 June 2023, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dupuytrens-disease-frequently-asked-questions. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
"Dupuytren Contracture." Mayo Clinic, 28 Sept. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dupuytrens-contracture/symptoms-causes/syc-20371943. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
"Dupuytren's Contracture: Causes, Symptoms, Exercises." Hinge Health, 19 Jan. 2024, www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/dupuytrens-contracture. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
"Dupuytren's Disease." American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, May 2023, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Hurst, L. C., et al. "Injectable Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s Contracture." New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 361, 2009, pp. 968-979.