Why Does Dupuytren’s Make Your Fingers Bend?

Have you noticed that one or more of your fingers are gradually becoming bent towards the palm?

One possible cause is Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition affecting the tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers.

Dupuytren’s contracture can develop slowly. In some people, it causes only small lumps or thickened areas in the palm. In others, the tissue can form tight cords that gradually pull the fingers towards the palm, making them difficult or impossible to fully straighten.

So, why does Dupuytren’s make your fingers bend?

Let’s take a closer look.What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture, also known as Dupuytren’s disease, affects the palmar fascia — a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm.

In Dupuytren’s disease, this tissue becomes abnormally thickened and less flexible. Nodules or cords can develop within the tissue.

As these cords tighten, they can gradually pull one or more fingers towards the palm.

The condition most commonly affects the ring and little fingers, although other fingers can also be affected.

Why Do the Fingers Bend?

The bending happens because the abnormal tissue in the palm can develop into tight cords.

These cords can gradually shorten and pull the affected finger towards the palm.

As the condition progresses, you may notice that you:

• Cannot fully straighten one or more fingers
• Cannot place your hand completely flat on a table
• Have a firm lump or nodule in your palm
• Notice a cord-like structure beneath the skin
• Find certain everyday activities more difficult

Dupuytren’s contracture usually develops gradually rather than suddenly.

What Does Dupuytren’s Contracture Feel Like?

Early signs may be quite subtle.

You might first notice a small lump or thickened area in the palm. Some people develop dimples or grooves in the skin.

As the condition progresses, a cord may develop and begin pulling a finger towards the palm.

In more advanced cases, the finger may become fixed in a bent position.

The condition isn’t usually painful, although some people may experience discomfort or tenderness, particularly in the earlier stages.

Which Fingers Does Dupuytren’s Usually Affect?

Dupuytren’s can affect any finger, but it commonly involves the:

• Ring finger
• Little finger

It can affect one hand or both hands.

The severity can also vary considerably from one person to another.

Some people have nodules without significant finger bending, while others develop contractures that interfere with hand function.

What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture?

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not fully understood.

However, several factors have been associated with the condition, including family history, increasing age, smoking and certain medical conditions.

Having one or more of these factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop Dupuytren’s contracture.

When Should You Have Your Hand Assessed?

Not every case of Dupuytren’s requires treatment.

However, you should consider seeking medical assessment if you notice:

• A finger becoming progressively bent
• Difficulty straightening your finger
• Difficulty placing your hand flat on a surface
• Problems with everyday activities
• A new lump, thickening or cord in the palm

Other hand conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an assessment is important before assuming that the problem is Dupuytren’s contracture.

How Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, how much the hand is affected and the individual’s circumstances.

Mild Dupuytren’s contracture may not require treatment, particularly when it isn’t interfering with hand function.

For more significant contractures, treatment options may include procedures such as:

Needle Fasciotomy

A needle is used to divide the tight cord and allow the finger to straighten.

Fasciectomy

Surgery is performed to remove affected tissue from the palm and finger.

Dermofasciectomy

This involves removing affected tissue along with an area of skin, followed by skin grafting where appropriate.

The most suitable approach depends on the individual’s clinical findings and should be discussed with an appropriately qualified specialist.

Can Dupuytren’s Contracture Come Back?

Treatment can improve the position of a contracted finger, but it is important to understand that Dupuytren’s disease can recur.

The NHS notes that contracture may return after treatment, and a finger may not always become completely straight or regain its previous strength and flexibility.

Your surgeon should discuss the potential benefits, limitations and risks of treatment during your consultation.

Is Dupuytren’s Contracture the Same as Trigger Finger?

No.

Although both conditions can affect finger movement, they are different conditions.

Dupuytren’s contracture involves abnormal thickening and tightening of tissue in the palm, which can gradually pull a finger towards the palm.

Trigger finger, on the other hand, can cause a finger to catch or become temporarily stuck during movement.

Because several hand conditions can produce similar symptoms, proper assessment is important.

What Happens During an Assessment?

A specialist will typically examine your hand and fingers and assess how much movement you have.

They may look for:

• Thickened tissue or nodules
• Palmar cords
• The degree of finger contracture
• Your ability to straighten the affected fingers
• How the condition is affecting your everyday activities

This helps determine whether observation, further assessment or treatment should be considered.

Final Thoughts

Why does Dupuytren’s make your fingers bend?

In simple terms, the condition causes changes in the tissue beneath the skin of the palm. This tissue can become thickened and form cords that tighten over time, gradually pulling affected fingers towards the palm.

If you’ve noticed your finger becoming progressively bent or you’re finding everyday hand movements more difficult, don’t simply assume it’s normal ageing.

A proper clinical assessment can help identify what’s causing the problem and whether treatment may be appropriate.

Book a Consultation

If you’re concerned about a bent or contracted finger, speak with a qualified medical professional for an appropriate assessment.

AustinGraces Plastic Surgery
📲 07508 824858
🌐 www.austingraces.com

This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical assessment or diagnosis.