Many people suffer from Dupuytren’s contracture, which is caused by Dupuytren’s disease. The symptoms of this condition depend on how far it has progressed. It’s common to experience palm thickening during the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, a hard lump starts forming on the thickened skin. With time, the tissue will form cords that tighten and cause the fingers to contract.

Various people are at risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease. These include men;

• Those over 50
• Those with a family history
• Those with certain health conditions like epilepsy and diabetes.

Sadly, there’s no cure for this condition. But, several DIY options can help reduce the effects. These include;

1. Change Your Diet

What you eat can help manage or worsen Dupuytren’s disease symptoms. While changing your diet seems hard at first, it is necessary. Make sure you control portion sizes and eat more anti-inflammatory foods. Also, reduce your fat consumption and try eating fresh and whole foods.

2. Give Yourself or Get a Massage

Use your unaffected hand to massage your palm and fingers. Or you can ask someone else to do it. This is a great pain relief method for Dupuytren’s disease. Make sure that you apply gentle pressure and rub your entire hand, including where the tissue has thickened. You can also get a professional massage if you like. But remember to incorporate products like oils, lotions, and heat.

3. Take Supplements

Daily supplements are also essential additions to your routine. They can offer pain relief for Dupuytren’s disease. Turmeric, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E are all great supplements. However, make sure you seek a recommendation from your doctor first.

4. Try Stretching

Several exercises and stretches can help reduce or stop Dupuytren’s contracture progression. However, they are beneficial in early states. These include;

• Finger lifts- when your palm is rested on a smooth surface, lift each of your fingers one at a time. Pause for some seconds after each lift before dropping the fingers down.
• Palm raises- with your fingers on a flat surface, raise and lower only your palm.
• Hand press- place your hands as if you’re praying, then push the palms and fingers together.

5. Reduce Pressure on the Palm

Dupuytren’s disease affects the hands. So protecting your hands is the first step towards managing your symptoms. When griping objects make sure that you use light pressure. Also, wear gloves when using certain tools to reduce pressure.

6. Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

Tobacco can increase the symptoms of this disease. Thus, you should try to quit smoking. Eliminating tobacco also has other health benefits like improving lung and cardiovascular function. Also, cut back on your alcohol consumption to help manage your symptoms.

7. Seek Professional Help

Well, this isn’t a DIY treatment. But if nothing seems to work, you should book an appointment with your doctor.  A hand specialist will go over your symptoms with you and help find suitable pain relief for Dupuytren’s disease. These include needling, injections, or surgery, depending on the progress of the disease.

Conclusion

Home remedies can offer pain relief for Dupuytren’s disease. However, they usually work best in the early stages. However, as soon as you identify the symptoms, it is always wise to seek professional advise like our hand specialists at Spine & Orthopedic Center.  Learn more about this disease in our Dupuytren’s Contracture Disease page.