Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a gradual change in the tissue just under the skin of the palm. For many people it stays mild and needs only watching; for others it slowly draws a finger toward the palm, and treatment can help.
What it is
A layer of tissue in the palm (the fascia) can thicken and form firm nodules and cords. Over time these cords can tighten and pull one or more fingers into a bent position, most often the ring and little fingers. It tends to develop slowly, and is usually painless. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
What you might notice
- A firm lump or pit in the palm.
- A cord running toward a finger.
- A finger that no longer straightens fully (you may notice it when placing the hand flat on a table).
How it is treated
Treatment is guided by how much the fingers are affected and how much it limits you. Mild disease is often simply watched.
- Watchful waiting, when the hand still works well. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
- Procedures to release or remove the cord, when a finger is bending and function is affected. There are different approaches, which we choose together based on your hand. {{CONFIRM with Holly: needle fasciotomy / surgery / other.}}
Recovery & what to expect
- A careful assessment of the cords and how straight the fingers are.
- A plan matched to you, from watching to a release if the finger is bending.
- The procedure, if needed, with hand therapy to regain movement afterwards. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
- Follow-up, as Dupuytren’s can sometimes return over the years.
Questions patients ask
Do I need treatment now? Often not, if your hand works well, watching is reasonable. We treat when a finger starts to bend and affect function. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
Will it come back? Dupuytren’s can recur over time; we will talk through what that means for you. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}