Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when the tissue beneath the skin on your palm and fingers becomes thick and tight. This thickening causes your fingers to bend toward your palm and makes it difficult to straighten or extend them. Although it doesn’t usually cause any pain, Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive disorder that gets worse over time.

UPMC experts provide comprehensive care for Dupuytren’s contracture, including surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Our team will develop a treatment plan that reduces your symptoms, restores your mobility, and improves your quality of life.

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On this page

• What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
• What Are the Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?
• How Do You Diagnose Dupuytren’s Contracture?
• How Do You Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?

What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture happens when the tissue beneath the skin on your palm and fingers becomes thick and tight, making it difficult to straighten or extend your fingers. Although it doesn’t usually cause any pain, Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive disorder that gets worse over time.

What are the types of Dupuytren’s contracture? 

There are three types of Dupuytren’s contracture:

• Type 1 — An aggressive form of the disease that usually appears in men under age 50 with a family history of Dupuytren’s contracture.
• Type 2 — A less aggressive form that is more common. It usually affects the palm only and occurs in people over age 50.
• Type 3 — A mild form that is common in people with diabetes and does not usually cause severe symptoms.

What causes Dupuytren’s contracture?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes Dupuytren’s contracture. However, researchers believe genetics and family history may play a role in developing the condition. Alcohol use and health conditions, such as diabetes and seizure disorders, may also increase the risk of developing Dupuytren’s contracture. 

What are Dupuytren’s contracture risk factors and complications?

Dupuytren’s contracture risk factors

You may be at higher risk for Dupuytren’s contracture if you:

• Are male.
• Are of northern European or Scandinavian ancestry.
• Have a family history of Dupuytren’s contracture.
• Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or seizure disorders.
• Have had surgery or trauma to your hand.

Complications of Dupuytren’s contracture

Moderate or severe cases of Dupuytren’s contracture may make it difficult to straighten and extend your fingers. Without early treatment, Dupuytren’s contracture can cause problems with everyday tasks, such as typing, driving, or writing.

How can I prevent Dupuytren’s contracture? 

There is nothing you can do to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from developing or returning after treatment.

How do you prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from progressing?

With early treatment, you may be able to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from progressing. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.

How common is Dupuytren’s contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture occurs in about 5% of people in the U.S. It is more common after age 40 and occurs more frequently in men. It most often affects the ring and pinky fingers and can occur in one or both hands.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

The first sign of Dupuytren’s contracture is a small lump that develops under the skin of your palm. This small nodule thickens over time, creating a cord-like band of tissue. Eventually, this band of tissue will make it difficult to straighten or extend your fingers.

Other symptoms may include:

• A burning sensation.
• A feeling of pressure or tension in your palm.
• Inflammation in your tendons or joints.
• Itching.

When should I see a doctor about my Dupuytren’s contracture symptoms?

If you notice a small lump developing under the skin on your palm, you should bring it to your doctor's attention. Although you may be unable to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from progressing without treatment, your doctor can monitor your condition and recommend early treatment that may prevent loss of mobility in your fingers.

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How Do You Diagnose Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Your doctor will examine your hands to diagnose Dupuytren’s contracture. Because Dupuytren’s contracture can sometimes affect other areas of your body, your doctor may also examine your feet or other parts of your body to check for lumps under your skin.

What to expect during your visit

During your visit, your doctor will:

• Ask about any medications you’re taking.
• Ask about your symptoms.
• Perform a physical exam.
• Review your health and family history.

Dupuytren’s contracture prognosis

It is difficult to predict how Dupuytren’s contracture will progress or how severe symptoms will become. Surgery may be needed to restore finger mobility. However, symptoms may recur within 10 years in about half of people who undergo surgical treatment.

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How Do You Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture?

The goals of Dupuytren’s contracture treatment are to reduce symptoms, restore mobility, and improve quality of life. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms.

What is the best treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture?

Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms' severity, your treatment goals, and your personal preferences.

Treatment options may include:

At-home care

If you have Dupuytren’s contracture that is causing mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend at-home care, including:

• Physical therapy.
• Splinting.
• Stretching.
• Warm water baths.

Injections for Dupuytren’s contracture

Your doctor may recommend injections to treat abnormal tissue development, including:

• Collagenase injections — Break down collagen, part of the abnormal tissue that develops in Dupuytren’s contracture. Collagenase injections may be as effective as surgery and can be given in your doctor’s office.
• Steroid injections — May prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from worsening while helping to manage pain and swelling. In some cases, steroid injections may completely heal abnormal tissue.

Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove abnormal tissue. After surgery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help recover your mobility.

Other treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture

Other treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture include:

• Aponeurotomy — During this procedure, your doctor will use a small needle to cut the abnormal tissue in your hand.
• Radiation therapy — For mild cases, radiation therapy is a one-time treatment that may stop or slow the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture.

Why choose UPMC for Dupuytren’s contracture care?

When you choose UPMC for your Dupuytren’s contracture care, you will receive:

• Access to world-class orthopaedic expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of hand disorders using the latest surgical and nonsurgical techniques.
• Advanced diagnostic care — We’ll work with you to accurately diagnose your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
• A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical care, as well as minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches, depending on your individual care needs.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-02-28.