Dupuytren’s Contracture

In Dupuytren’s contracture, a fibrous tissue formation occurs in the palm of the hand that can cause the last two fingers to curl up. The origin of this condition is not well understood.

Checklist for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Rating Nutritional Supplements Herbs
1Star DMSO (topical)
Vitamin E		  
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

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

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

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.