Rikki Mistry

You may have heard Dupuytren's contracture referred to as Viking disease and wondered what on earth the Vikings have to do with your fingers. The nickname reflects a genuine pattern in who gets the condition and where it is most common. This article explains what Dupuytren's contracture is, why it has this unusual name, and what can be done about it. What is Dupuytren's contracture? Dupuytren's contracture is a condition in which the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm gradually...

A wrist splint is often the first thing recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome, and for mild to moderate cases it can make a real difference, particularly at night. But a splint does not treat the underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It simply holds the wrist in a neutral position to reduce pressure on the median nerve while you wear it. For many people, symptoms return as soon as the splint comes off. And for others, the condition has already progressed to the point where a splint is...

If you have been diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture, surgery is often the first treatment mentioned. For moderate to severe cases, it is the most reliable way to straighten the fingers and restore function. But not everyone with Dupuytren's needs surgery, and some patients with early or mild disease have other options available to them. This guide explains when non-surgical approaches are appropriate, what they involve, and how to decide which option is right for you. Does Dupuytren's...