Find out what can be done about it. And, in some cases, can cause pain. Our hands have fibrous bands that stretch from your palm to the ends of your fingers. When someone has DC, those bands of tissue develop lumps that eventually cause the tissue to grow thicker. Those lumps can sometimes feel sore or tender, or not feel like anything at all. However, they are an indication of onset DC.
As the tissue becomes thicker, it contracts the bands that connect to your fingers causing them to curl inwards. In severe cases, it causes hand deformity and loss of mobility in the hands. As with many health conditions, the risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes.
The first sign of DC is noticing small lumps that develop in the palm of your hand. These lumps might be tender, or they may not be sensitive at all. Your pinky and ring fingers are more commonly affected than your thumb, index, and middle fingers. You may notice some stiffness in these fingers. For most patients, it is not painful. Your hands may feel stiff, tender, or uncomfortable.
In the minority of cases, there is pain present in the hands. The lumps can sometimes be very sensitive and sore. What we know from research is that if you experience pain at the onset of the condition, along with itchiness, that may be an indication that it is a more aggressive form of DC. You should see your family doctor as soon as you notice any lumps in your palms.
They will likely do an exam on your hands to accurately diagnose the lumps and determine a solution. The exam consists of your doctor checking the mobility of your hands, wrists, and fingers. They will feel the lumps and record how many. They may ask you to place your palm on the table to see if your hand can lay flat or ask you to pick up small items only using your thumb and a finger in a pinching motion. Knowing your baseline exam records will help doctors see how fast the condition is developing; recording your symptoms can help dictate which method of treatment you use.
