8 Natural Remedies for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Your hands can kind of be described as your antenna. Appendages that ‘feel’ through life constantly prodding, protecting and prioritizing. When Dupuytren’s contracture develops it can threaten the healthy functioning of your hands and significantly affect your life. 

If you or someone you know struggle with Dupuytren’s, especially an early diagnosis, these 8 natural remedies for Dupuytren’s contracture just might help.

What happens?

Dupuytren’s Contracture, pronounced ‘du-pew-TRANZ’, is a condition that develops primarily in people over fifty. It is a thickening of the fascia which is a band or sheet of connective we have throughout our bodies. Fascia is responsible for wrapping and stabilizing muscles and organs. 

In the hand, fascia wraps around the palm and fingers. As it thickens in can cause pain but sometimes there is no pain but rather a pulling in of the digits (fingers). This creates a claw-like result with minimal ROM (range of motion). The cause for Dupuytren’s is still unknown but, in some cases, it is believed to be gene related. An accumulation of alcohol and tobacco use as well as those suffering from diabetes or epilepsy are more at risk for Dupuytren’s contracture.

Needles, Bees and Moxi

There aren’t many studies of acupuncture for Dupuytren’s contracture. However, there are some small research projects that showed potential for further studies. One case report looked at the combined affects of acupuncture, moxibustion (Chinese medicine practice of burning dried mugwort), and bee venom pharmacopuncture (BVP has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, the venom is injected into acupuncture points). 

A report of these three therapies was published in the Journal of Acupuncture Research, concluding that,

“This study suggests that acupuncture, moxibustion and bee venom pharmacopuncture could be effective for patients with Dupuytren’s contracture.”

Acupuncture has been in existence for over 4,000 years. Even though most results have been observational studies, current conventional medicine has embraced the practice and made it available as a recommended prescription. Talk to your doctor about using this therapy for managing early Dupuytren’s contracture onset.

Magnificent Mag

Although genes play a role in many diseases, it is sometimes a “trigger” that could possibly activate particular genes into disease progression. For Dupuytren’s contracture a specific trigger being studied is the deficiency of magnesium.

The thickening of the hand fascia in this disease involves over calcification. Magnesium is known to block some of the biological processes of calcium. One case of magnesium showing positive results was published by the Dupuytren’s Contracture Research Group which stated,

“…magnesium might block the cells from pulling on the tissues by reducing the effect of calcium. So…if the timing is just right, and a finger can’t straighten because of the combined action of a mass of cells contracting – but before the next stage of collagen trimming and pleating has happened, magnesium might make the cells relax and allow a finger to loosen.”

Magnesium should be taken responsibly as it may be a contraindication with some medications and over consumption could cause diarrhea. Discuss a magnesium protocol for Dupuytren’s contracture, especially in the early stages, with your doctor before taking.

Up Your Offense

Sometimes, reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system can strengthen your body to counteract disease. In the case of Dupuytren’s contracture, increasing dietary or supplementation of particular herbs and vitamins may help. In addition to magnesium, these supplements have good science behind them in treating the onset of Dupuytren’s contracture:

• Vitamin E – Antioxidant and cell protector.
• Zinc – Boosts immune function and assists in wound healing (possibly internally when cells are susceptible to damage during Dupuytren’s progression)
• Turmeric- Excellent natural anti- inflammatory
• DMSO – Dimethyl Sulfoxide, made from wood pulp, is a penetrating anti-inflammatory and “drive delivery” remedy. Drive delivery means opening up an area for other therapies to be driven deeper into the presentation and working more effectively.

According to the Dupuytren’s Contracture Institute,

“DMSO used alone demonstrates ability to soften the fibrous hardening of scleroderma, as well as similar fibrous tissue diseases, and stretch tissue needed during plastic surgery. While scleroderma is not Dupuytrens contracture or Peyronie’s disease, they both share enough similar collagen and soft tissue abnormalities to make it reasonable to connect the benefits of one problem to the other.”

DMSO can be found in any good health food store or purchased online from a reputable distributor. 

Try these 8 natural remedies for Dupuytren’s contracture to see if you can stop this disease in its tracks. A doctor may also prescribe physical therapy that can work in conjunction with these remedies so your hand health remains strong and functioning well into the future. 

Sources:

https://www.e-jar.org/m/journal/view.php?number=2307

https://dupuytrens.org/magnesium-and-dupuytren-disease/

https://dupuytrens-contracture.com/dupuytren-contracture-treatment-options/dupuytren-contacture-dmso/