Alternative diseases | What is Dupuytren’s disease?

Alternative diseases

If there is a compression of the median nerve in the hand area, this can be determined by measuring the “nerve currents” (= ENGElectromyography by a neurologist (= neurologist, specialist in neurology). Note: It is quite possible that pressure damage to a nerve in the hand, shoulder and neck area may occur simultaneously

X-rayMRI of the hand

Although carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be diagnosed by means of an X-ray examination, this examination is still useful. Often other diseases associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are found (e.g. arthrosis of the thumb saddle joint). In most cases, an MRI of the hand is not useful.

Only in the case of a concrete suspicion of a tumor is a complex examination like an MRI of the hand useful.The usual conservative measures such as ointment bandages, physiotherapy with various exercises or massages have no chance of success with this clinical picture. In very early stages, radiation therapy is therefore a good option for treating contracture. In addition, the entire affected tissue can be surgically removed in an open fasciotomy.

This invasive method is, however, only recommended from an extension deficit of at least 45 degrees. A minimally invasive therapeutic option is the needle fasciotomy. This is usually used up to a flexion contracture of 45 degrees.

For more severe contractures, open fasciotomy is generally recommended. A newer therapeutic method is the injection of a bacterial collagenase. This is intended to destroy the scarred strands enzymatically.

Subsequently, the hand should be mobilized again by physiotherapy. However, the use of the enzyme is still in the trial phase and is therefore not yet used regularly. An overview of all possible forms of therapy can be found on our page: Therapy of Dupuytren’s diseaseThere are several homeopathic globules that are used in alternative medicine to have a positive influence on the course of Dupuytren’s disease.

Calcium fluoratum globules are said to help with deformed, inflexible fingers. Strong patients are recommended to take Barium carbonicum and slim patients to take Strontium carbonicum. Patients suffer from stiff fingers and palms.

Causticum, Ruta graveolens and Radium bromatum are homeopathic globules that are supposed to help alleviate the symptoms. Formica rufa globules can be taken for night-time pain. For patients with Dupuytren’s disease, irradiation can help to slow down or stop the progression of the disease.

The affected areas of the hand or foot are irradiated with X-rays at a safe distance of up to two centimeters. Other parts of the body are shielded with lead and protected from the radiation. Irradiation is particularly indicated in the early stages of the disease.

The earlier the affected areas are irradiated, the better the prognosis. Radiation therapy is considered to be safe in the long term and, in contrast to surgery, leads to a healing or improvement of the symptoms in most patients. In Dupuytren’s disease, splints are often used after treatment.

The splints are sometimes worn during the day, but mainly at night. Surgical splitting of the sheath layer of the connective tissue and an aponeurectomy (removal of tendon tissue) are therapeutic options that typically require subsequent wearing of a night splint. The night splints are intended to improve the results achieved by surgery in Dupuytren’s disease in the long term.

Occupational therapy is a field of therapy in medicine that aims to improve motor and sensorimotor disorders. Possible occupational therapy methods for Dupuytren’s disease include passive finger movements to improve mobility and special massages. There are massage techniques that loosen and stretch the hardened tissue. In addition, there are various blood circulation-enhancing procedures.