There have been many times over the course of my career as an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist that I have wished that I had a magic wand to wield. But, alas, although the body has this incredible capacity to heal injury and remodel scar over a period of time, the recovery process is a journey rather than teletransportation. So, when I came across a Facebook advertisement several weeks ago for a company that is touting a "magic wand" to "cure" Dupuytren contractures, I felt compelled to respond.
Dupuytren Disease is a genetic predisposition of the tissue under the palm of the skin to over-develop and create bumps, dimples and nodules in the palm. If the disease progresses, the nodules may become cords or bands that wrap around the finger tendons, pulling the fingers into a bent and contracted position. Dupuytren Disease occurs more commonly in men of Northern European descent and is frequently called "The Viking Disease". The chance of developing Dupuytren contractures becomes more common as a person ages. It would be wonderful if we could count on magic as a cure for disease, particularly in these times of global distress with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, especially now, it is important to lean on science and facts rather than wizadry and supposition. It is also the time to question the motives of those trying to sell us vaguely defined products with huge promises but no details. Let's take a look at some Dupuytren facts versus magical fiction:
If you do have a Dupuytren procedure performed and would like additional information on the rehabilitation aspects of recovery, please visit my Dupuytren website: dupuytren-contractures.weebly.com Comments are closed.
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