Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that affects your hands, whereby the fibrous tissue under the skin of your palm thickens and gradually becomes tighter, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It doesn't tend to be painful, but the contraction of the tissue eventually causes your fingers to curl over, impeding the functioning of your hand. While there is no cure, surgery can remove the thickened tissue, after which exercises can be done to help restore hand strength and improve the mobility of your fingers.
Finger Lifts
Place the injured hand on a table with your palm facing down, advises The Ohio State University Medical Center. Slowly lift and lower each finger, one by one, as many times as you can -- or for the number of repetitions prescribed by your doctor.
Finger Bends
Hold the injured hand up, making sure your fingers are straight, suggests OSU. Working through your fingers one at a time, try to bend only the top joint. The other joints should remain as straight as possible. Hold each joint in the bent position for a few seconds, relax and move on to the next finger.
Whole Finger Bends
Hold your injured hand up, making sure all your fingers are straight, instructs OSU. Keep your thumb stretched out to the side then fold your fingers over from the middle joints. Try to get them to touch your palm while keeping your knuckles straight and without causing any pain. Straighten your fingers again and repeat.
Ball Squeeze
Hold a tennis ball in your injured hand and squeeze it as tightly as you can for five seconds, recommends PhysioAdvisor.com. Do this 10 times, but stop immediately if you feel any pain. If you don't have a tennis ball, you can use any other kind of similarly sized ball that has a little bit of flexibility for squeezing.
Finger Press
Hold your injured hand up, or rest it on a table, palm facing upward. All your fingers and your thumb should be straight and lightly touching. Try to squeeze them together as hard as you can, using your hand and finger strength. Keep squeezing for five seconds, relax and repeat 10 times.
Member Comments