What are the stages of Dupuytren’s? How do you prevent Dupuytren’s getting worse?

Dupuytren’s contracture typically progresses through several stages, starting with the development of thickened or hardened skin on the palm of the hand, and ending with the fingers curling towards the palm and becoming difficult to straighten.

The stages of Dupuytren’s contracture are:

• Palmar fibromatosis: This is the earliest stage of Dupuytren’s contracture, in which the skin on the palm of the hand becomes thickened or hardened and small bumps or nodules (called “fibromas”) may develop.
• Cord formation: In this stage, fibrous cords form under the skin of the palm and fingers, causing the fingers to start curling towards the palm.
• Fixed contracture: In this stage, the fingers are permanently bent towards the palm and cannot be straightened.

To prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from getting worse, it is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Early treatment, such as physical therapy or injections of medications to soften the affected tissue, can help slow the progression of the condition and preserve hand function.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the excess collagen. It is also important to avoid factors that may increase the risk of developing Dupuytren’s contracture, such as heavy alcohol consumption, hand-intensive work, and diabetes.

Maintaining good overall health and following a healthy lifestyle may also help reduce the risk of developing the condition.