What is Dupuytren’s contracture?-Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Dupuytren’s disease or Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease phenomenon which results in abnormal thickening of the palm’s skin at the base of fingers. Gradually this thickened area of skin turns into a thick band or hard lump. In worse cases curling up of one or more fingers may occur or fingers may be pulled to the sideways of the palm. Dupuytren’s contracture can make a person’s day to day life difficult by causing a sort of disability to grasp the things correctly. In this write up you’ll get to know about this disease in detail along with its Ayurvedic management and treatment.

INTRODUCTION TO DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Duputyren’s contracture is the deformity of the hand which gradually develops over several years. A layer of tissues which is present under the skin of the palm is affected in this disease causing formation of knots and eventually a thick cord is formed which pulls fingers (one or more) to sideways or inwards. Dupuytren’s contracture restricts the complete straightening of the fingers that results in inability to grasp the object correctly, put hands in pocket, shaking hands or putting gloves on. This disease usually affects the last two fingers (opposite to the thumb) and men tend to get it more than women.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

As per Ayurveda Dupuytren’s contracture is caused due to accumulation of toxins, i.e. ama in the body along with the vitiation or imbalance of the Vata dosha. Due to the disturbed digestion (for any reason) digestive fire (agni) weakens which leads to building up of the ama in the body. This results in stiffness of the tissues and eventually  formation of knots.

RISK FACTORS OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

There are certain factors which increases the risk of developing Dupuytren’s contracture in a person:

• People above the age of 50 years are more likely to develop it
• Men as compared to women are more at risk of getting the contracture and also severe than women
• Dupuytren’s contracture is a rare phenomenon but it tends to run in families and anyone having relatives suffering from it are more likely to get it than the one not having any family history
• Smoking increases the risk of Dupuytren’s contracture owing to the fact that it causes microscopic changes in the blood vessels.
• Alcohol consumption is also associated with increased risk of Dupuytren’s contracture
• People suffering from diabetes are at risk of developing it as well.

CAUSES OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

The exact cause behind Dupuytren’s contracture is not known however the role of genes tends to play a role in the background and this disorder runs in the family. And the risk factors discussed above found to be present in most of the cases.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Dupuytren’s contracture is a gradually developing condition and hence the development of signs and symptoms is also gradual.

• Thickening of the skin on palm
• Gradually knots of hardened tissues start to appear on the thickened skin of the palm
• Usually these nodules are not tender but in some cases they may be painful to touch
• Gradually over the years these knots start to tighten, pulling fingers towards the palm
• Ring finger and the last fingers are usually affected causing them to curl up or pulled sideways
• Generally one hand is affected, in rare cases both the hands will get affected

DIAGNOSIS OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Hardened tissue in the form of knots and curled up fingers are usually the initial basis of diagnosis when your doctor examines the hand. Further there are some tests like table top tests in which a patient is asked to put the hand on the table and rest it completely. In case of Dupuytren’s contracture patient is not able to keep it flat indicating contracture of the tissue. Also some grip tests and motion of fingers will help in further confirmation of diagnosis.

TREATMENT OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Conservative treatment given for the Dupuytren’s contracture aims at breaking or removing apart the knots of tissues which is pulling the fingers of the patient. This is achieved in different ways like:

• Needling- It is an invasive technique in which needles are inserted in the affected area to break the cord or tissues by puncturing it. This is not a permanent solution as cords are formed again and the procedure needs to be repeated.
• Enzyme injections involves injecting particular enzyme in into the skin to break the cord but it is also a temporary relief and cords are formed again
• Surgery is the last and most invasive option where whole tissue affected is removed and requires a long time for recovery

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Ayurveda aims at treating the disease without any invasive procedure and annihilating it from root cause so that the recurrence is prevented. Treatment in Ayurveda is given to eliminate the ama from the body, balance the tridosha and restore all the disturbed body functions. Herbal medicines are given to balance the Vata dosha and eliminate the toxins from the body. Panchkarma can also be advised in order to reduce the ama from the body along with a diet which pacifies the vitiated dosha and prevents any further accumulation of toxins in the body. Eventually digestive fire is also restored ensuring healthy body functions.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Planet Ayurveda has been serving the suffering humanity for almost two decades in various countries around the world. It has come up with the treatment of many difficult to treat diseases. All the herbal medicines and products manufactured in this herbal pharmaceutical are purely vegetarian, herbal, free from chemicals, yeast, dye, fillers, preservatives, and colors. Owing to this fact the medicines are completely safe and effective to be used by any age group for several months and years altogether. For Dupuytren’s contracture Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines which is formulated by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors and has been used to treat several similar patients.

Product List

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
4. Gotukola Capsules
5. Kanchnaar Guggul

Product Description

All these herbal formulations consist of herbs and compounds which naturally possess the therapeutic properties to relieve and treat the ailments of Dupuytren’s contracture.

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia-Curcumin is a polyherbal capsule which is made by Planet Ayurveda using Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). It is helpful in supporting and maintaining healthy joints. It Relieves morning stiffness and reduces the swelling and pain in the back. Rich in antioxidants which support movement and have neuroprotective activity.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

It is the single herb formulation prepared using extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb. These herbal tablets provide strength to the muscles and also eases the function of muscles and tissues. Ashwagandha ghan vati helps in relieving the tissue stiffness and provides strength to the affected tissues and muscles.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

This Ayurvedic formulation helps in balancing the Vata dosha in the body and maintaining a healthy nervous and digestive system. Good digestion clears the ama from the body and re ignites the digestive fire and balanced vata dosha relieves stiffness of tissues. It is prepared using Rajata bhasma (Calx of silver), Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Pravala bhasma (Calx of coral), Abhrak bhasma (Calx of mica) etc. Vrihat vatchintamani ras should always be taken only under supervision of Ayurveda physicians.

Dosage– 1 pill twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul is a herbal tablet which is formulated by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Kanchnaar Bark (Bauhinia variegata), Varuna Bark (Crataeva religiosa), Tejapatra (Cinnamomum Tamala), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) and many more. It is helpful in maintaining healthy cells and tissues, which flushes toxins and removes sluggishness. Supports a healthy level of cholesterol and has decongestant properties.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plan water.

5. GotuKola Capsules

GotuKola Capsules is a single herbal Capsule which is made by Planet Ayurveda using the standardized extract of Mandookparni (Centella Asiatica). It is helpful in the healing of wounds and maintains the healthy circulation of the blood. Boosts the brain power and promotes the functions of kidney and liver health. Is an effective antidepressant and useful in reducing swelling and balancing the nervous system.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

Dupuytren’s contracture is a gradually developing disease which can be controlled at early stages before it causes curling up of fingers only if the diagnosis and treatment starts at early stages. Hence, if you see the above discussed signs and symptoms in anyone around you must suggest them to see a doctor at the earliest.