Dupuytren’s Contracture

If you suffer from pain or deformity related to Dupuytren’s Contracture, don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

A hand with the ring finger contracting upwards while the other fingers lays flat on a white sheet. Dupuytren’s contracture causes thickening and shortening of connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Progressive changes pull one or more fingers toward the palm, reducing hand movement and limiting everyday tasks such as gripping tools, shaking hands, or placing a hand flat on a table. Genetic factors, advancing age, male sex, diabetes, smoking, and heavy alcohol use increase risk.

Specialists diagnose Dupuytren’s contracture through medical history and physical examination, focusing on finger position, tissue thickening, and range of motion. Mild cases often require observation, while greater loss of function may benefit from stretching guidance, collagenase injections, needle procedures, or surgery to release tightened tissue. Early evaluation supports treatment planning before severe finger bending develops.

Causes of Dupuytren’s Contractures

Dupuytren’s contracture results from abnormal thickening and shortening of connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Genetic inheritance plays the strongest role, while advancing age, male sex, and Northern European ancestry increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Diabetes, smoking, and heavy alcohol use also contribute to risk. Some research suggests that repetitive hand vibration, manual labor, seizure disorders, and long-term use of certain anticonvulsant medications may further increase susceptibility, although researchers continue to study those associations.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren’s contracture often begins with a small, firm lump in the palm that gradually becomes thicker over time. Tight bands of tissue form beneath the skin and pull one or more fingers, most commonly the ring and little fingers, toward the palm. Many people experience difficulty straightening the affected fingers, gripping objects, shaking hands, wearing gloves, or placing the hand flat on a surface. As the condition progresses, reduced finger movement and decreased hand function make everyday activities more challenging.

Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contractures

Mild cases often respond well to regular monitoring and conservative treatment. Specialists evaluate changes in finger movement during follow-up visits and recommend hand therapy, stretching exercises, and range-of-motion activities to maintain flexibility and hand function. Activity modifications and protective techniques can reduce strain during daily tasks and help people manage symptoms while delaying the need for more invasive procedures.

Severe cases often require procedures that release or remove the tightened tissue causing finger contractures. Specialists may perform collagenase injections to dissolve thick cords, needle aponeurotomy to divide the contracted tissue, or surgery to remove the affected fascia and improve finger position. After treatment, hand therapy, strengthening exercises, splinting, and rehabilitation programs help restore movement, improve grip strength, reduce stiffness, and support long-term recovery and hand function.

If you would like to speak to a Hand Doctor Fort Worth or Dallas, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.