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.
Related services include:
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.
There are three types of 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.
You may be at higher risk for Dupuytren’s contracture if you:
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.
There is nothing you can do to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from developing or returning after treatment.
With early treatment, you may be able to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from progressing. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.
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.
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:
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.
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.
During your visit, your doctor will:
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.
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.
Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms' severity, your treatment goals, and your personal preferences.
Treatment options may include:
If you have Dupuytren’s contracture that is causing mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend at-home care, including:
Your doctor may recommend injections to treat abnormal tissue development, including:
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 treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture include:
When you choose UPMC for your Dupuytren’s contracture care, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-02-28.
