11

Is Dupuytrens Contracture hereditary?

Here you can see if Dupuytrens Contracture can be hereditary. Do you have any genetic components? Does any member of your family have Dupuytrens Contracture or may be more predisposed to developing the condition?

Is Dupuytrens Contracture hereditary?

Dupuytren's Contracture is a condition that causes the fingers to bend inward towards the palm, making it difficult to straighten them. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that it has a strong hereditary component. This means that if someone in your family has had Dupuytren's Contracture, you may have a higher risk of developing it as well. However, other factors such as age, gender, and certain lifestyle choices may also contribute to its development.



Is Dupuytren's Contracture hereditary?


Dupuytren's Contracture is a condition that affects the hands and fingers, causing the tissues in the palm to thicken and form nodules or cords. Over time, these nodules can contract, leading to the fingers being pulled towards the palm and causing difficulty in straightening them. While the exact cause of Dupuytren's Contracture is still not fully understood, research suggests that there is a genetic component to the condition.


Genetic Factors:


Studies have shown that Dupuytren's Contracture tends to run in families, indicating a hereditary link. It is believed that certain genes may predispose individuals to develop the condition. However, it is important to note that having a family history of Dupuytren's Contracture does not guarantee that an individual will develop the condition, nor does the absence of a family history rule out the possibility of developing it.


Complex Inheritance:


The inheritance pattern of Dupuytren's Contracture is complex and not fully understood. It is thought to involve multiple genes, each contributing a small effect towards the development of the condition. This means that the risk of developing Dupuytren's Contracture is influenced by a combination of genetic factors, rather than being solely determined by a single gene.


Age and Gender:


Dupuytren's Contracture typically affects individuals over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as one gets older. It is more common in men than in women, although the reasons for this gender difference are not yet clear. However, both men and women with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it compared to those without a family history.


Other Risk Factors:


While genetics play a significant role in the development of Dupuytren's Contracture, there are also other factors that can increase the risk. These include:



  • European ancestry: Dupuytren's Contracture is more prevalent in individuals of Northern European descent, suggesting a possible ethnic predisposition.

  • Smoking and alcohol consumption: Some studies have found a correlation between smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and an increased risk of developing Dupuytren's Contracture.

  • Diabetes: There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing Dupuytren's Contracture.

  • Hand injuries: Previous hand injuries, particularly those that involve the palm, have been associated with an increased risk of developing the condition.


Treatment and Management:


While there is no cure for Dupuytren's Contracture, there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve hand function. These include:



  • Non-surgical interventions: In the early stages, non-surgical treatments such as hand therapy, splinting, and steroid injections may help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.

  • Surgical procedures: For more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the contracted fingers and restore hand function. There are different surgical techniques available, and the choice of procedure depends on the severity and individual circumstances.

  • Collagenase injections: This relatively new treatment involves injecting an enzyme called collagenase into the affected tissue, which helps break down the thickened cords and allows for better finger movement.

  • Post-treatment rehabilitation: Following any intervention, rehabilitation exercises and hand therapy are often recommended to optimize recovery and prevent recurrence.


Conclusion:


Dupuytren's Contracture is a complex condition with a genetic predisposition. While it tends to run in families, the inheritance pattern is not straightforward, and multiple genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to its development. If you have a family history of Dupuytren's Contracture or are experiencing symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.


Diseasemaps
2 answers
Yes
[my father has it but didn't know what it was, thought it was hand damage from heavy manual work when he was younger]

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Jim 4055

Is Dupuytrens Contracture hereditary?

Dupuytrens Contracture life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Dupuytrens Contracture?

4 answers
Celebrities with Dupuytrens Contracture

Celebrities with Dupuytrens Contracture

2 answers
Is Dupuytrens Contracture contagious?

Is Dupuytrens Contracture contagious?

3 answers
Natural treatment of Dupuytrens Contracture

Is there any natural treatment for Dupuytrens Contracture?

2 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Dupuytrens Contracture

ICD10 code of Dupuytrens Contracture and ICD9 code

3 answers
Living with Dupuytrens Contracture

Living with Dupuytrens Contracture. How to live with Dupuytrens Contracture...

2 answers
Dupuytrens Contracture diet

Dupuytrens Contracture diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of ...

2 answers
History of Dupuytrens Contracture

What is the history of Dupuytrens Contracture?

2 answers

World map of Dupuytrens Contracture

Find people with Dupuytrens Contracture through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Dupuytrens Contracture community.

Stories of Dupuytrens Contracture

DUPUYTRENS CONTRACTURE STORIES
Dupuytrens Contracture stories
Four years ago at age 58, I noticed slight dimpling in the palm of my left, non dominant hand, below the ring finger. Research lead me to think I had Dupuytrens given that I'm of Scottish decent. Early in 2012 I noticed a lump on the arch of my left ...
Dupuytrens Contracture stories
  1965: Tonsillectomy 1968: Odd skin 2 inch rash/wheal on inside of left lower leg. undiagnosed 1978: Zadek operation, botched removal of big toenail rootbed 1980: Contracted Glandular Fever - lasted 12 months of debilitation - never felt 100% sinc...
Dupuytrens Contracture stories
finger swelled for months after a thorn injury - repeated antibiotics made no difference. Lump appeared in Palm , followed by lump in foot. I worked out I have Dupuytrens and lederhose disease. However I have to see multiple different consultants and...
Dupuytrens Contracture stories
The first 2 years of lumps growing on both feet were not painful. I had an MRI to rule out cancer. The following two years were very painful. I had physical therapy with some electrodes hooked up and a pulsating anti inflamitory hooked to my feet. I'...
Dupuytrens Contracture stories
Diagnosed at age 50, but had the condition for at least a year or more before diagnosis.  After researching and finding on Facebook, I engaged with other people that had Dupuytren's and Ledderhose Disease. I found out about using Radiation Therapy a...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Dupuytrens Contracture forum

DUPUYTRENS CONTRACTURE FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map