Dupuytren’s Contracture & Its Treatment In Ayurveda

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s Contracture? Imagine it’s been some 20-30 years since you bid farewell to your college life and your friends have now planned a reunion. You will be too excited to meet your buddies, you will wish to meet and greet them. But will you lose your confidence while you look through your body? Will you feel uncertain, with those fingers which have been pulled inwards and the vulnerable hands which makes it difficult to do even the routine activities? Don’t get discouraged. This has happened to many people around.

The largest organ of the body which is a combination of water, minerals, fats and proteins,- skin is a thin, soft membrane made of three layers with each of its layers performing different functions. It covers the outer trunk and maintains the tissues. Found below the skin, is fascia , a group of connective tissue that maintains the patency of blood vessels, stabilizes, attaches and impart strength to the skin separating the muscles of the body. Fascia may be either superficial, deep or parietal according to its anatomy.

Introduction Of Dupuytren’s Contracture

The skin present on the palm side of the hand is anchored and stabilized by fascia. In contrast to the outer skin on the back of our hand which is loose and movable, it is this fascia that keeps the skin of the palm and fingers firm. As time passes by this fascia thickens and tightens leading to a deformity named Dupuytren’s contracture. The fingers get pulled towards the thumb resulting in contracture. It is also known as palmar fibromatosis. The affected fingers can’t be straightened out, completely disrupting day to day activities.

Symptoms Of Dupuytren’s Contracture

The disease usually progresses over years stage by stage

• Nodule: One or more nodules that are tender and fixed to the overlying skin develop in the palm. Gradually the tenderness subsides.
• Cords: Dense and thick cords are formed underneath the skin as the nodules thicken and contract. The cords restrict the straightening of fingers and thumb.
• Contractures: As tissues tighten fingers are pulled towards the thumb and movements are restricted. The little and ring finger are commonly affected.

People with this deformity finds it difficult

• To grasp objects
• Shake hands
• Put hands in pocket
• Perform daily activities
• Buttoning shirts

Risk Factors For Dupuytren’s Contracture

Even though the cause of the disease is unknown, it is said that genetics plays a major role in its development.

• Gender: Men are more prone to this disease than women
• Heredity
• Age: Occurs in people over 50 years of age
• Ancestry: Northern Europeans are at higher risk
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Seizure Diseases

Complications Of Dupuytren’s Contracture

• Interruption in fine motor activities
• Deformity
• Grasping power is lost

Treatment For Dupuytren’s Contracture

The treatment line includes the removal of cords that pull your fingers towards your palm. It can be done either surgically or non surgically

Non-surgical methods include

1. Needling
2. Enzyme injections
3. Splinting
4. Stretching
5. Massage

Ayurveda and Dupuytren’s Contracture

Ayurveda considers Dupuytren’s contractures as vata vyadhi i.e. neuromuscular diseases. The disease is produced due to an imbalance of vata with mamsakshaya (depletion in muscle mass). Suppression of natural urges, incompatible dry, light and cold food, excessive physical activity, trauma etc are some provoking factors that causes an imbalance in vata producing pain, swelling and constriction.

Treatment In Ayurveda For Dupuytren’s Contracture

Treatment modalities are aimed at pacifying the aggravated vata. Some remedies for preventing contracture and thickening of connective tissue of skin include various herbs, Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations and Panchakarma procedures. Herbs like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), Amalaki (Embilica officianalis) can prevent the progression of the disease. Panchakarma is effective in curing diseases from its root. Lepana / External medicated paste application, Abhyanga / Oil massage and Swedana / Steam fomentation are also very effective in this condition.

Herbal remedies for Dupuytren’s Contracture

As for every imbalance, in Dupuytren’s contracture too Planet Ayurveda has a unique combination of herbal remedies. These herbal drugs are 100% pure, organic and free from preservatives. There are no adverse reactions to the drugs manufactured from Planet Ayurveda and they help to get rid of the symptom, provide relief and preserve health. With the intense vision of taking Ayurveda to every individual, Planet Ayurveda aids in holistic healing through herbs. All these noteworthy combinations are carefully made by experienced Ayurvedic physicians after years of research and hardwork. Check out our medicines to help you come out of Dupuytren’s contracture.

Products List

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
4. Gotukola Capsules
5. Kanchnaar Guggul

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a patent formulation by Planet Ayurveda. This formulation is the combination of only two herbs that is shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcumin longa). Both of these herbs are impressive kapha and vata pacifiers. It also helps in tenderness and stiffness present in this case. Boswellia curcumin also has an impact on digestion as well and thus helps in the removal of endotoxins from the body. The nodules become soft with the use of this formulation and the tendon stiffness decreases as well. Thus movement of fingers can become possible with time.

Dosage – One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

This polyherbal medication in pill form contains Swarna basma (calx of gold) known for its anti-rheumatic, and antioxidant properties. It also has a combination of Rajatha basma (calx of silver) and Abhrak bhasma (calx of mica) which increases the strength of the body and promotes metabolism. This compound is an effective remedy for vata and pitta disorders. This herbal combination keeps the body healthy and increases immunity as well. It helps to enhance the flexibility of fingers and makes you independent to do your daily chores.

Dosage – As advised by your Ayurvedic physician.

3. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

This herbal tablet is made from the extracts of the herb Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). The antioxidant properties of the drug strengthen the immune system. It is a nervine tonic that is effective in all nervous disorders. They balance all tridoshas and are effective especially in vata and kapha disorders. The anti-inflammatory property of the same helps in relieving pain and swelling in Dupuytren’s contracture. The multiple actions of this combination are attributed to the presence of alkaloids Somniferin and Withaniol.

Dosage – 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Gotukola Capsules

Gota Kola Capsules is a patent formulation by Planet Ayurveda which has only gotu kola (Centella asiatica) as its ingredient. Gotu kola is helpful in various conditions where there is excess of vata dosha. Gotu kola helps in the softening of nodules thus resulting in better circulation. The thickness of the band which is generally felt under the fingers in the case of dupuytren’s contracture can be soothed and hence movement of fingers is possible. In some cases tenderness might be present gotu kola also help with the tenderness

Dosage – One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

5. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnnar Guggul is a classical preparation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. The formulation is helpful in pacification of kapha dosha and also has its healing impact because of guggul (Commiphora mukul). The formulation has other ingredients like kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Varuna Bark (Crataeva religiosa) and many others. The formulation has a great effect in opening the blocked channels inside of the body due to guggul as one of its ingredients. In the case of dupuytren’s contracture, kanchnnar guggul helps with the fibrosed tissue and the nodule formation.

Dosage – Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

As time passes by, the vata aggregate and take its role. We get old with our muscles and body strength reduces day by day. Disorders of vata are quite common during this period, Ayurveda provides treatment modalities that help in balancing vata and its related disorders. Herbal formulations, Panchakarma,and Yoga along with proper Ayurvedic diet and Lifestyle help in the same. Planet Ayurveda also plays a vital role in bringing back the harmony of the humors and thus providing a quality life.

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