What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Fasciitis of the Palmar Region 

What is Palmar Fasciitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Palmar Fasciitis is an uncommon inflammatory condition characterized by abnormalities of the fingers (flexion deformities), which are caused by the thickening of the palmar fascia of the hand
• The fascia is a sheet surrounding the hand’s muscles and tendons. With Palmar Fasciitis, this sheet thickens, making it impossible to fully straighten the fingers. This is known as a flexion deformity, or flexion contracture
• Similar deformities are observed with a condition known as Dupuytren's contracture. However, Palmar Fasciitis usually affects both hands
• The cause of Palmar Fasciitis is unknown
• The risk factors for Palmar Fasciitis include a variety of benign (harmless) and malignant tumors
• Palmar Fasciitis can accompany a condition called polyarthritis, wherein multiple joints throughout the body are inflamed. Palmar Fasciitis can also be caused by underlying malignancies, including cancer of the ovaries, pancreas, lungs, breast, colon, uterus, prostate, stomach, liver, fallopian tubes, and cervix
• The treatment for Palmar Fasciitis includes pain medications, steroids, and managing underlying tumors

Who gets Palmar Fasciitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Both men and women may develop Palmar Fasciitis
• However, Palmar Fasciitis is more common in women than in men
• Palmar Fasciitis occurs worldwide and no racial or ethnic preference is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Palmar Fasciitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors for Palmar Fasciitis include:

• The risk factors of Palmar Fasciitis are unknown
• However, Palmar Fasciitis has been observed in individuals with non-malignant and malignant conditions, such as ovarian cysts, teratoma, and recent treatment for tuberculosis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Palmar Fasciitis? (Etiology)

Common causes for Palmar Fasciitis include:

• The cause of Palmar Fasciitis is unknown
• However, research is currently being conducted to determine the cause of the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Palmar Fasciitis?

The signs and symptoms of Palmar Fasciitis include:

• Flexion deformity of the fingers. Usually both hands are affected
• Pain may occur when the fingers are stretched out from their normal position

How is Palmar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

The diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Palmar Fasciitis include:

• A physical examination with complete evaluation of an individual’s medical history. Examination of the palms would show thickening of the palmar areas with a positive groove sign
• Tests to rule out the presence of cancer in the ovaries, pancreas, lungs, breast, colon, uterus, prostate, stomach, liver, fallopian tubes, and cervix. Hence, individuals who have been diagnosed with Palmar Fasciitis should be checked for cancers in other parts of the body
• In addition, physicians will also perform tests to rule out the presence of chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Colon cancer can be detected through a colonoscopy
• Breast cancer can be detected through mammograms and breast biopsy
• Ovarian and lung cancer can be detected through radiological techniques, such as ultrasound of the abdomen, CT scan of the abdomen, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen. Usually, a tissue biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of cancer
• Lung cancer can be detected through radiological techniques, such as Chest X-ray of the lung, CT scan of the lung, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung. Usually, a biopsy of the lungs is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of cancer
• The differential diagnosis that should be considered before arriving at a diagnosis of Palmar Fasciitis includes:    
  • Scleroderma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Dupuytren's Contracture

What are the possible Complications of Palmar Fasciitis?

Complications of Palmar Fasciitis include:

• Prolonged and chronic pain in the hand
• Permanent disability and difficulty movement, without any treatment
• Synovitis of the finger joints

How is Palmar Fasciitis Treated?

The treatment for Palmar Fasciitis includes:

• Pain medication
• Steroid therapy
• Treatment of underlying conditions
• Deep tissue massage

How can Palmar Fasciitis be Prevented?

There are no clearly established preventive measures for Palmar Fasciitis. However, early detection and treatment of the condition may help individuals achieve a successful outcome.

What is the Prognosis of Palmar Fasciitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Palmar Fasciitis depends on the severity of the condition
• However, properly treating certain underlying malignancies may also help an individual’s Palmar Fasciitis improve

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Palmar Fasciitis:

Since Palmar Fasciitis can be associated with underlying malignancies, it is referred to as a paraneoplastic syndrome.