What Causes Vascular Disorders?

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An injured blood vessel can affect the flow of blood especially in the upper extremities including the hands and fingers.

A vascular disorder can result from a blunt trauma such as a cut or significant injury. Spasming of the hands occurs in the fingers in a condition called Raynaud’s Disease. This also influences the flow of blood and actually cuts it off.

Aneurysms are known as a popping of a blood vessel due to expansion. This can lead to other problematic symptoms such as numbness, sensitivity and pain.

In circumstances where a small artery or vein has to carry an unusually excessive amount of blood, malformation can occur with physical consequences including pain.

All of these are different causes giving rise to vascular disorders which affect the flow of blood in the human body and especially the hands.

Symptoms and Treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture

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Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when knots or thick cords of tissue form just under the skin of the palm. The thickened tissue can eventually pull one or more fingers into a permanently bent position. This can make certain everyday activities difficult, such as opening the hand fully in order to grasp large objects or to put on gloves. The condition most often affects the ring and pinky fingers and normally affects one hand more than the other.

Symptoms

Dupuytren’s contractures typically develop over a number of years. The individual may first notice a thickening of the skin on the palm that develops into knots that may appear puckered or dimpled. The knots may be sensitive to the touch but are generally painless.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unclear. It does not appear that vibrations, repetitive motions, or hand injuries have any bearing on the condition. Dupuytren’s contractures are most common in males over the age of 50. Individuals of Northern European descent or who have a family history of Dupuytren’s contractures are also at higher risk for the condition. Smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake are also associated with a higher risk of Dupuytren’s contracture.

Treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture

If the contractures interfere with daily activities or cause pain or neuropathy in the hand, a Los Angeles hand surgeon can use a variety of procedures to remove or separate the cords causing the contracture.

  • A needle may be inserted through the skin to break apart the cords. This technique is minimally invasive and does not require extensive physical therapy or downtime; however, it cannot be used in certain locations on the finger because of the possibility of nerve injury.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an enzyme injection for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contractures that softens the cords so that they can be manipulated and broken apart.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue. This normally entails a longer recovery time and extensive physical therapy. Contact LA Hand Surgeon and meet with one of our board-certified plastic hand surgeons if surgery is necessary for your condition.