 | Current customer? Log In |
 |
 | Search Departments
More Ways to Shop
Free Catalog
Newsletter Sign Up
Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!
|
|
Library Home
> Health Concerns > Dupuytren’s Contracture
DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTUREVisit The Healthy Living Bookshelf:
Checklist for Dupuytren’s Contracture
What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture? Dupuytren’s contracture is initially noticed as a tender, small, hardened nodule on the palm of the hand. As it progresses, a cordlike band develops along the palm and finger, which causes the affected finger to stay in a semi-closed position.  How is it treated? Corticosteroid injections are commonly used. Advanced contractures are treated with surgery. However, the recurrence rate for additional contractures is relatively high. In severe cases amputation of the affected finger may be necessary. Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Many decades ago, researchers investigated the effects of taking vitamin E to treat Dupuytren’s contracture. Several studies reported that taking 200–2,000 IU of vitamin E per day for several months was helpful.1 Other studies, however, did not find it useful.2 Overall, there are more positive trials than negative ones,3 although none of the published research is recent. Nonetheless, some doctors believe that a three-month trial using very high amounts of vitamin E (2,000 IU per day) is helpful in some cases. DMSO applied to the affected area may reduce pain by inhibiting transmission of pain messages, and may also soften the abnormal connective tissue associated with disorders such as Dupuytren’s contracture, keloids, Peyronie’s disease, and scleroderma. Research on the use of topical DMSO to treat Dupuytren’s contracture remains preliminary and unproven.4 References: 
1. Thomson GR. Treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture with vitamin E. BMJ 1949;Dec 17:1382–3. 2. Richards HJ. Dupuytren’s contracture treated with vitamin E. BMJ 1952;June 21:1328. 3. Kirk JE, Chieffi M. Tocopherol administration to patients with Dupuytren’s contracture: effect on plasma tocopherol levels and degree of contracture. Pro Soc Exp Biol Med 1952;80:565 [review]. 4. Jacob SW, Wood DC. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Toxicology, pharmacology, and clinical experience. Am J Surg 1967;114:414–26. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or
the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
| Ordering Help | Shipping & Returns | Have Questions? | Other Services |
 |
New! 24x7 Ordering by Phone. Call 1-800-439-5506
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2009 Mother Nature, Inc. All rights reserved.