Dupuytren's contracture is when 1 or more fingers bend in towards your palm. There's no cure, but your fingers can be straightened if it's severe.

Check if you have Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. You can have it in both hands at the same time.

It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years. Treatment can't usually help in the early stages.

White hand held out flat, with middle finger sticking upwards slightly and a raised ridge along the palm below it — It starts with lumps, dimples or ridges on your palm

White right hand held out flat with ring finger bent in towards the palm — Eventually, your finger may get stuck in a bent position

If you're not sure it's Dupuytren's contracture

Other conditions can have similar symptoms.

Other conditions that have similar symptoms
Symptom	Possible cause
Small, soft lump on the wrist or finger joints	ganglion
Hard, raised, rough skin on the palms	calluses
Finger "catching" or getting stuck when you move it	trigger finger

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if 1 or more of your fingers are bent and:

you can't put your hand down flat
you're having difficulty with daily activities

You'll probably be offered treatment. Your GP may refer you to a surgeon to discuss your options.

Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP

It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:

visit their website
use the NHS App
call them

Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus

You can ask to be referred to a hospital of your choice.

Find and compare hospitals for Dupuytren's contracture

Treatments for Dupuytren's contracture

Speak to a surgeon about the options, what the benefits and risks are, and what to expect afterwards.

Your finger may not be completely straight after treatment, and might not be as strong and flexible as it used to be.

The contracture could also come back after a few years.

There are 2 main types of treatment.

Surgery to straighten the fingers

Fasciectomy

A cut is made along your palm and finger so the surgeon can straighten it.

general anaesthetic (you're asleep) or local anaesthetic (your hand is numbed)
you can leave hospital the same day
recovery time: 4 to 12 weeks
lowest risk of contracture coming back
risks include bleeding, numbness and infection

Using a needle to straighten the fingers

Needle fasciotomy

A needle is inserted into several places along your palm and finger to loosen and straighten it.

local anaesthetic (your hand is numbed)
you can leave hospital the same day
recovery time: up to 2 weeks
contracture more likely to come back than with surgery
risks include a cut opening up in your skin, pain and numbness

What to expect after treatment

Recovery and aftercare can vary.

You may:

have a cast or support (splint) on your hand for a few days
have some pain, stiffness, bruising and swelling for a few weeks
need to wear a splint while sleeping for 3 to 6 months
be advised to do hand exercises for up to 6 months – you might see a physiotherapist

You can often start using your hand again after a few days, but it may be a few weeks before you can return to all your activities.

Causes and preventing Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture happens when the tissue under the skin near your fingers becomes thicker and less flexible.

The exact cause is unknown, but it's been linked to:

having a family history of the condition
smoking
drinking lots of alcohol
having diabetes or epilepsy

It's not known if you can prevent it or stop it coming back.

Page last reviewed: 11 April 2018
Next review due: 11 April 2021