What is Dupuytren’s disease that affects boxer Ricky Hatton?
BOXER Ricky Hatton has been forced to undergo a serious operation on his hand after developing Dupuytren’s disease.
The 44-year-old posted a picture of his right hand all stitched up and covered in cuts and bruises.
The two-weight world champion has been away in Thailand and said he had become ‘frustrated’ with the condition.
Posting to Instagram he said: “Had a serious operation when I got Dupuytren’s disease. I’ve not been able to punch or do pads for about 3 months.
“At least my boxers all had finished their fights for the year before I had the operation.
“Having said that it’s been a frustrating & worrying time for me as you can see from my first photo.
“The amount of work it is in such a small & complicated area in your hand & around your fingers.
“But ready to start back now which has been a relief. Baby steps though.”
But what is Dupuytren’s disease and how do you know if you have it?
Dupuytren’s contracture is when one or more of your fingers bend in towards your palm, the NHS states.
It’s named after the French surgeon, Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, who first described and researched the condition in 1834, the Dupuytren’s Society states.
There is no cure – but in severe cases your fingers can be straightened through surgery.
It’s rare for someone of Hatton’s age to have the condition, as it’s mostly seen in older people.
It tends to affect more men than women, and often occurs in later life.
It can affect up to 20 per cent of men above 60, and 20 per cent of women who are over 80 years old, figures from the Dupuytren’s Society state.
You can have it in both hands at the same time and it mainly affects the ring and little fingers.
The condition will usually get slowly worse over a period of months and years.
It happens when the tissue under the skin and near your fingers becomes thicker and less flexible.
Guidance states that the exact cause is unknown, but it has been linked to those with a family history of the condition, smoking and drinking lots of alcohol.
You could also be at risk if you have diabetes or epilepsy, the NHS states.
Do you have it?
The condition starts with dimples and ridges on the palm of your hands, often close to the joints of the fingers.
Eventually when you bend your finger, they could become stuck in a bent position.
You should see a GP if one or more of your fingers are bent and you cannot put your hand flat down.
You should also seek help if you’re having difficulty with daily activities.
If you have the condition it’s likely your GP will offer you treatment and could refer you to a surgeon to discuss your options.