I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
Imagine what it would be like if you went to put your hands in your pockets and your fingers could not be straightened out. Think about how it would feel if you needed to shake someone's hand, but your fingers would bend inward making it almost impossible. For people who have Dupuytren's contracture, this is part of their everyday life.
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that occurs when tissue forms just under the skin of the palm and puts stress on the tendons that cause the fingers to bend inward. Most often, the pinky and ring finger will gradually move toward a bent position. Here's a look at a few common misconceptions about Dupuytren's contracture.
Misconception: Dupuytren's contracture is caused by working with vibrating machinery.
Fact: It's a common misconception when people who have worked with their hands, specifically using vibrating machinery, that the condition was caused by this. However, there is no proof that this is actually the case. There are several risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture, including:
Even though Dupuytren's contracture may be more common among people who have worked with heavy equipment, this is not a risk factor because of lack of scientific evidence to support any link between the two things.
Misconception: Dupuytren's contracture is a sign of severe arthritis.
Fact: Dupuytren's contracture is most often assumed to be relative to arthritis, even though it actually is not. It is true that Dupuytren's contracture tends to occur primarily in people older in age that are more prone to arthritic conditions, and the two conditions may even occur at the same time. However, arthritis that causes the fingers to draw up is something that happens because of severe inflammation in the joints; it has nothing to do with newly formed tissue that affects the tendons in the palm.
Misconception: Dupuytren's contracture is not a treatable condition.
Fact: Dupuytren's contracture is actually treatable in several ways. Now, if your condition is not severe enough that it interferes with usual hand activities, the doctor may not recommend treatment right away. However, if the condition is starting to affect your everyday life and movements, they can perform needling to loosen the tissue cords, enzyme injections, or even surgery to go in and alter the connective tissue. Most treatments for Dupuytren's contracture are quite effective, even though sometimes the procedures have to be repeated to retain the results.
To learn more about dealing with Dupuytren's contracture, consider contacting services such as Dupuytren's Disease Support Group.
Share4 April 2018
