Dupuytren’s contracture

In Dupuytren’s contracture, the fibrous tissue in the palm of the hand becomes thickened and shortened. As a result, one or more fingers, often the fourth and fifth fingers, are pulled towards the palm into a bent position. Sometimes, painful lumps develop on the palm, and the overlying skin becomes puckered. In about half of all cases, both hands are involved. Rarely, the disorder affects the soles of the feel and the toes.

Dupuytren's contracture of the ring finger

The tissue changes in Dupuytren’s contracture develop slowly over months or years. The cause is unknown, but it occurs more commonly in men over the age of 50, in people with diabetes mellitus or epilepsy, and in people who abuse alcohol. About 1 in 10 people with Dupuytren’s contracture has a relative with the disorder.

What might be done?

In mild cases, no treatment may he needed. If your fingers are slightly bent, you may benefit from stretching exercises or short-term splinting. If you have painful lumps in your palm, a corticosteroid may be injected into the area. In severe cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the thickened tissue in the palm to allow the fingers to straighten. The disorder can recur, especially in people who have a family history of Dupuytren’s contracture and who are effected in both hands.