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Dupuytren’s contracture starts with a painless thickening of the connective tissue under the skin of the palm. Over time symptoms can include:
As the condition gets worse, it may become impossible to straighten fingers at all.
You should contact your doctor if:
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not known. However, some things may increase your risk. These can include:
Usually a physical exam is enough to figure out if you have the condition. The healthcare provider will examine your hands for hardened tissue, deformity, or lumps. Sometimes other tests may be done, but they are rarely needed.
Treatment depends on how hard the tissue in your hands has gotten. If the condition is progressing slowly, not causing pain, and not interfering with your life, you may not need treatment.
If your condition is more severe, your healthcare provider may recommend:
While Dupuytren’s disease can’t be prevented, being aware of the risk factors and keeping an eye on the health of your hands can help you find and treat the disease early. If you notice any of the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Dupuytren’s disease is also called Dupuytren’s contracture. A contracture [kon-TRAK-shure] is a joint that is permanently bent.
The fingers and palm of your hands are held together by tough connective tissues under the skin. Dupuytren’s contracture is a deformity of the hand that occurs when connective tissue under the skin on the palm or fingers hardens and shortens. When this tissue gets harder, fingers start to bend or curl downward, making it hard or even impossible to keep your fingers straight. It often gets worse over time.
Dupuytren’s disease can affect any finger on the hand, but it most often appears in the ring finger. It can affect one or both hands.
There may be no pain associated with the hardening of the tissue, but sometimes the tissue can swell and cause joint pain, burning, or itching. If you have Dupuytren’s contracture, you might have problems doing everyday tasks like writing, cooking, typing, or tying your shoes.
Related Conditions
People who have Dupuytren’s are also at a higher risk of joint-related conditions in other areas of their bodies. Similar conditions that can happen along with Dupuytren’s contracture include: