Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms
Dupuytren's may affect one or both hands. It progresses slowly over time. The first sign you may notice may be lumps in the palm of your hand. These lumps are small, hard, and tender. As the condition progresses, the lumps will no longer be painful. Thick bands may begin to form under your skin. In more severe cases, all your fingers can curl into the palm of your hand.
Causes
The cause of Dupuytren’s is unknown. It is speculated that the disease may be genetic. Your risk is higher if a relative has it. Other risk factors include being over the age 40, alcoholism, smoking, thyroid problems, liver disease, diabetes, previous hand injury, and epilepsy.
Did you know...
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!