Hansen’s Disease or Leprosy

Hansen’s Disease is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

Affected Areas:

• Skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa, and eyes.

• Leprosy is curable, and early-stage treatment can prevent disability.

• Each year, up to 225 people in the U.S. and 250,000 around the world are diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy.

• Leprosy does not spread through a handshake; instead, it spreads through prolonged close contact with an untreated person via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions.

Symptoms:

• Skin patches that may be red or show a loss of pigmentation.

• Skin patches with diminished or no sensation.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.

• Painless wounds or burns on the hands and feet.

• Muscle weakness.

Additionally, people with leprosy (Hansen’s disease) may develop:

• Thick or stiff skin.

• Enlarged peripheral nerves.

• Loss of eyelashes or eyebrows.

• Nasal congestion.

• Nosebleeds.

When the disease is in the advanced stages, it can cause:

• Paralysis

• Vision loss

• Disfigurement of the nose

• Permanent damage to the hands and feet

• Shortening of the fingers and toes

• Chronic ulcers on the bottom of the feet that fail to heal

  
  

Diagnosis:

• Skin smear or skin biopsy.

Treatment:

• Use of various antibiotics and steroids.

Role of Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapy helps:

• Restore normal muscle tone & preserve the physiological properties of paralyzed muscles.

• Prevent muscle atrophy & overstretching of paralyzed muscles.

• Prevent contractures & keep joints mobile.

• Improve range of motion.

• Maintain & improve blood circulation.

• Keep skin soft and supple.

• Relieve nerve pain.

Active Exercises:

These involve the patient moving their limbs and joints independently. Examples include:

• Finger flexion and extension: To maintain hand function and prevent stiffness.

• Wrist extension and flexion: To prevent contractures and improve hand function.

• Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion: To prevent foot drop and improve ankle mobility.

• Coordination exercises: Alternate dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of both feet.

Passive Exercises:

These involve a therapist or caregiver moving the patient’s limbs and joints. Examples include:

• Gentle stretching of contractured fingers and thumb web: To release stiffness and improve range of motion.

• Passive movements of the ankle: To maintain flexibility and prevent contractures.

Thermotherapy (Heat Therapy):

• Soaking the affected area in warm water followed by passive movements can help increase the range of motion.

  
  

Exercises to Prevent Contractures:

• Stretching: Regular stretching of the affected limbs and joints is crucial to prevent contractures (tightening of muscles and tendons).

Hansen's Disease is a long-term infection triggered by Mycobacterium leprae, impacting the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes, and eyes. Physiotherapy aids in restoring normal muscle tone and maintaining the physiological properties of paralyzed muscles, preventing muscle atrophy.