Dupuytren's contracture is a thickening of the tissue under the skin of the palm, which forms lumps and cords that can gradually pull one or more fingers in towards the palm. It is usually painless and progresses slowly over years, most often affecting the ring and little fingers. Stretching and splints do not stop it, and treatment by a hand surgeon is considered once a finger can no longer be straightened enough for daily tasks.
Also known as Dupuytren's disease, Viking disease, palmar fibromatosis
Anatomy: where the problem is
Palm view of the wrist and hand. Highlighted in the diagram: palmar fascia.
Symptoms
- A firm lump or dimple in the palm, usually near the base of the ring or little finger
- A tight cord under the skin running towards the finger
- A finger that gradually bends towards the palm and cannot be fully straightened
- Difficulty putting the hand flat on a table
- Trouble with gloves, pockets, washing the face or shaking hands
- Usually little or no pain
Causes and risk factors
- A family history: it often runs in families
- Being male and over 50
- Northern European ancestry
- Smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol
- Diabetes
- Possibly manual work with vibrating tools
What the evidence says helps
- Mild disease that is not affecting hand function does not need treatment. It is monitored, because many cases progress slowly or not at all.2
- A review of non-surgical treatments for early disease, including splinting, stretching, steroid injection and radiotherapy, found the evidence too weak to recommend any of them.3
- Surgery is the established treatment once a finger is bent enough to interfere with daily life. Options include releasing the cord with a needle and removing the affected tissue.2
- A Cochrane review found too little evidence to say which operation is best. Needle release has a quicker recovery, but the contracture is more likely to return.2
- Low-quality evidence suggests that routine night splinting after surgery may not improve results.2
Things you can try at home
- Try the tabletop test: if you cannot lay your hand flat on a table, ask your GP about a referral
- Do not try to stretch the finger straight forcefully: there is no evidence it helps
- Use padded or wider-handled tools and gloves to make gripping more comfortable
- If you smoke, stopping is worthwhile for your hands as well as your general health
- Keep a note or photo of how far the finger straightens, to track change over time
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A wrist or hand that looks deformed, or severe pain and swelling after a fall: go to A&E or a minor injuries unit
- A hot, red, swollen joint with a fever or feeling unwell: get same-day medical help
- Numbness or weakness in the hand that is getting worse: see your GP promptly
- Fingers that turn white, blue or very cold and painful: get urgent medical help
- A lump in the palm or finger that is growing quickly, painful or looks different from the typical cords: see your GP
How Apollo can help
Dupuytren's contracture cannot be reversed by hands-on treatment or exercise, and we will tell you that plainly. We can confirm whether a lump in your palm is likely to be Dupuytren's, measure how far the fingers straighten and advise when it is time to ask your GP for a referral to a hand surgeon. After a needle release or surgery, we can support your recovery with scar care, movement and strength work, following your surgeon's or hand therapist's guidance.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can stretching or massage cure Dupuytren's contracture?
No. There is no good evidence that stretching, massage or splinting stops the cords from forming or straightens the finger. If the finger is bending, the effective treatments are procedures carried out by a hand surgeon.
When should Dupuytren's contracture be treated?
Treatment is usually considered when you can no longer lay your hand flat on a table or when the bent finger is getting in the way of daily tasks. Early lumps without bending are monitored.
Will Dupuytren's contracture come back after treatment?
It can. Treatment releases or removes the affected tissue but does not cure the underlying tendency. Recurrence is more likely after a needle release than after surgery to remove the tissue, and further treatment is possible if it returns.
References
- Lanting R, Broekstra DC, Werker PMN, van den Heuvel ER (2014). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Dupuytren Disease in the General Population of Western Countries. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 133:593-603. View source
- Rodrigues JN, et al. (2015). Surgery for Dupuytren's contracture of the fingers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. View source
- Ball C, Izadi D, Verjee LS, Chan J, Nanchahal J (2016). Systematic review of non-surgical treatments for early Dupuytren’s disease. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 17. View source
- NHS. Dupuytren's contracture. NHS website, accessed November 2026. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
