Dupuytren's Disease - When To Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if you notice:
- Dimples or knots in your palms, especially near the base of your fingers.
- An inability to flatten your hand, palm down, on an even surface.
- Pain in your palm or fingers.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. This period may vary from a few days to weeks, months, or years. Dupuytren's disease usually is a slowly progressing disease. If you are still able to move your fingers enough to do daily activities, you and your doctor may choose to continue regular checkups and hand exercises rather than surgery.
Here are nine tips to help you guard your joints against injury and diseases such as arthritis. It is information you can use daily to maintain healthy and strong joints.
Read the Caring for Your Joints article > >
Who To See
The following health professionals can diagnose Dupuytren's disease:
- Family medicine physician
- Internist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Rheumatologist
- Orthopedic surgeon
A hand surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or plastic surgeon can also diagnose and treat Dupuytren's disease. These doctors are most often seen for severe disease, when you cannot use your hand for everyday activities.
A physical therapist or an occupational therapist, or both, may be part of your treatment team and can teach you how to exercise your hand to help keep your hand and fingers flexible.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Dupuytren's Disease Topics
Today in Arthritis
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.