IT makes sense. Cold impairs circulation and can increase stiffness, reduce circulation and have other effects. Poor circulation or diabetes which also affects circulation can make dupuytrens worse. Smoking similarly impairs circulation and make dupuytrens worse.
Does your Dupuytrens get worse in the winter?
What is Dupuytren's disease?
Dupuytrens treatment using moist heat
BENEFITS OF HEAT TREATMENTS
Heat or warmth will help get things moving by speeding up the molecules in tissues and increasing blood flow. Heat is helpful for stiff joints and muscles, and can be useful prior to an activity. We often see an athlete warming up before a workout.
A warm shower or bath can help sore, stiff joints, especially in the early morning. A warm compress or heating pad can also relieve stiffness (Figure 1); however, too much heat could cause fainting, swelling, or burns to skin and tissues, so use heat treatments with moderation. However, A hot shower to the entire body does not help increase circulation to the hands. You will not experience the degree of increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage as you will when the heat is focused to the hands.
To do this properly, prepare three towels:
The first is used to cover the surface that you will be sitting or laying on.
The second should be a large clean towel. Soak it water as hot as you can stand to handle. Wring the towel out as completely as you can, so that it is not dripping excess water. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position so your hand is on top of the dry towel. Apply the large hot moist towel on the palm of the hand for 5-15 minutes. .
A small element of potential danger is present when you apply heat to the hands, especially if you have reduced sensitivity in your hands. You must be very careful the heat is not too great and that you do not fall asleep with the heat being applied. If you have a fair complexion, or have a history of burning easily, take extra steps to protect yourself from injury. It is important that you check your skin several times during this treatment to assure you are not burning yourself. If you use common sense and care with the process, there should be little problem.
Use caution when implementing ice or heat treatments. Monitor time and the condition of your skin, and always test the hot or cold item before applying. Contact your physician or therapist for assistance.
