Dupuytren’s Contracture Vs. Trigger Finger: Key Differences

Hand pain and stiffness can make everyday activities more challenging than normal. Dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger are common culprits that impair hand movement. Even though these conditions may appear alike, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the differences is crucial to getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.

 

Let us explore the differences between Dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger, how these conditions affect your hands, and what steps you can take for proper care.

What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand condition that affects the connective tissue beneath the skin of your palm. Over time, this tissue thickens and tightens, forming knots or cords. These cords pull your fingers inward toward your palm, making it difficult to straighten them.

 

The condition typically progresses slowly. It often becomes noticeable in middle-aged or older people.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture include:

 

• Firm lumps or nodules forming under the skin of the palm
• Tightening or thickening of tissue, often forming cords along the fingers
• Difficulty straightening fingers, especially the ring and pinky fingers
• Reduced ability to perform gripping or holding tasks

 

Dupuytren’s contracture seldom causes pain. However, its progressive nature can limit hand function over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause remains unknown. However, Dupuytren’s contracture is linked to genetic factors. It is common among people with Northern European ancestry.

 

Besides that, men are also more likely to develop Dupuytren’s contracture than women. Risk factors include:

 

• Age
• Diabetes
• Family history

What Is Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis. This condition impacts the tendons that bend your fingers or thumb.

 

Tendons are like ropes that connect muscles to bones and slide through a small tunnel or sheath. This sheath and tendon combination lets your fingers move smoothly. Trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed or thickened. The inflammation or thickening makes it more difficult for the tendon to move.

Symptoms

The symptoms of trigger finger include:

 

• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
• A popping or clicking feeling when moving the affected finger
• Pain or soreness may be felt at the base of the finger or thumb
• The finger may get stuck in a bent position and suddenly snap up straight

 

Unlike Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger often involves discomfort or pain. This ache is especially prominent during movement.

Causes and Risk Factors

Trigger finger is usually caused by repeated hand movements or frequent gripping actions. It is more common in people with certain health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Women are more likely to get this condition than men. It often affects people in their 40s to 60s.

Comparing Dupuytren’s Contracture Vs. Trigger Finger

Let us look at the differences more closely.

Key Differences in Symptoms

Dupuytren’s contracture primarily causes thickened tissue under the skin and restricts finger extension. It does not cause pain in most cases.

 

Trigger finger, on the other hand, involves painful tendon irritation and a locking sensation during movement.

Areas Affected

Dupuytren’s contracture usually affects the palm and fingers. With this condition, the pinky and ring fingers are the parts most commonly impacted.

 

Trigger finger may affect any finger or thumb. In addition, it can also cause discomfort at the base of the fingers.

Progression

Dupuytren’s contracture develops slowly over months or years. The functional limitation worsens as the condition progresses.

 

Meanwhile, trigger finger often starts with mild stiffness. It can also proceed to painful locking if left untreated.

Causes

Dupuytren’s contracture happens when connective tissue in the hand thickens. There is no clear link to repetitive movements.

 

On the other hand, trigger finger is caused by overuse or repeated movements. These motions cause swelling in the tendon.

Pain Levels

Pain is not a typical symptom of Dupuytren’s contracture. Trigger finger will often cause some pain and discomfort. It usually occurs when using or moving the affected finger.

Risk Factors Summary

Dupuytren’s contracture mainly affects older men of Northern European descent. Many affected patients with this condition also have a family history of it.

 

Trigger finger tends to be more common in women. It becomes more likely if they have diabetes or arthritis. It also affects those who frequently engage in activities that involve gripping their hands.

Treatment Options

Trusted hand orthopedic doctors near you can help you get the best treatment. They will look at your symptoms and conduct some exams to make an accurate diagnosis. The treatments they recommend will depend on their findings.

Treating Dupuytren’s Contracture

The treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture depends on how severe the condition is. Non-surgical methods include stretching exercises and using splints to slow progression.

 

For more advanced cases, treatments include:

 

• Collagenase injections to break down the thickened cord
• Minimally invasive needle aponeurotomy to release tension

 

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue.

Treating Trigger Finger

Mild cases of trigger fingers could often be managed simply with rest and exercises targeting the fingers. Anti-inflammatory medications also help. Splints can help reduce tendon stress. In addition, corticosteroid injections could also help reduce inflammation and improve movement.

 

For persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure is performed. This will release the tendon sheath and restore smooth finger movement.

Hand Doctor for Dupuytren’s Contracture and Trigger Finger in Baltimore & Columbia, MD

Both Dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger can limit daily tasks and impact the quality of life. Early diagnosis is essential to managing these conditions effectively.

 

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division is here to support you. Our team of orthopedic doctors is trained in various orthopedic specialties, from spine, hand, and foot surgery to physical medicine and sports rehabilitation. We offer a wide range of state-of-the-art services and equipment for your orthopedic needs.

 

To get started, use our online link to schedule an appointment or call us today at (410) 644-1880. We look forward to serving you!

 

 

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