Named after a nineteenth-century French baron, Dupuytrens contracture is a thickening of tissue in the palm that causes an inability to straighten one or more fingers, usually the ring finger or little finger. The involved tissue hardens and shrinks forming a small lump or cord in the palm. Discomfort is unusual. The condition can involve both hands or even the toes, and tends to progress slowly.
If you have Dupuytrens contracture, you may wonder if you injured your hand in some way, but if injury plays any role it is probably not a major one. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, the disorder appears to be at least partially inherited.
If the contracture becomes very troublesome, surgery may be useful.
If you have Dupuytrens contracture, you may wonder if you injured your hand in some way, but if injury plays any role it is probably not a major one. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, the disorder appears to be at least partially inherited.
If the contracture becomes very troublesome, surgery may be useful.