Curled Fingers

Have you ever noticed someone whose fingers are always bent like a claw? If so, that person is displaying the classic sign of DUPUYTREN'S  DISEASE or DUPUYTREN'S  CONTRACTURE, a rare, slowly progressing and painless but debilitating disorder. This condition often starts with a small nodule in the palm and then progresses to a thickening and scarring of the connective tissue in the palm and fingers. As a result, the fingers - usually the ring fingers and pinky - permanently curl, the hallmark of this condition.

Although the cause is unknown, some people may have a genetic predisposition. Dupuytren's disease is most prevalent among whites of Northern European. (especially Scandinavian) descent and is more common in men than women. Smokers and heavy drinkers are at increased risk. One or both hands may be affected. The ring finger is affected most often, followed by the little, middle, and index fingers.

Dupuytren's is often seen in people with diabetes. In fact, it is been estimated to occur in up to two-thirds of people who have had diabetes for many years. It can also be a clue that a person is suffering from epilepsy or a thyroid, liver, or lung disease. People with Dupuytren's disease may also have other rare connective tissue disorders, including Peyronie's disease, which causes the penis to bend.

If, however, only one finger is locked in a curled position, it is a sure-fire sign of a Trigger Finger - medically known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis. This condition tends to affect people who engage in repetitive hand and finger movements at work or play, such as at a computer keyboard. People who spend a lot of time gripping hard objects, such as power tools, garden tools, or even musical instruments, are also at increased risk for this condition. These strenuous activities trigger tiny injuries to the fingers. Also at risk are people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and some lung and skin infections. Women are more likely than men to suffer from Trigger Finger.

Although some people with Dupuytren's disease also have Trigger Finger, the conditions are medically different. Moreover, Trigger Finger can cause more pain than Dupuytren's. People with Trigger Finger usually have more stiffness and discomfort in the morning.