Fingers Stuck? Why Dupuytren's Contracture Curls Your Hand & Medically Approved Next Steps

If your fingers seem to be slowly curling toward your palm and won't fully straighten, you may be dealing with dupuytren's contracture. This condition affects the tissue just beneath the skin of your palm and fingers. Over time, it can cause one or more fingers—most often the ring and little finger—to bend inward.

The good news: dupuytren's contracture usually progresses slowly and is not life-threatening. However, it can interfere with daily activities like shaking hands, putting on gloves, typing, or washing your face. Understanding what's happening and knowing your treatment options can help you take the right next steps.

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What Is Dupuytren's Contracture?

Dupuytren's contracture is a hand condition that affects the palmar fascia—a layer of connective tissue under the skin of your palm. In people with this condition, the fascia thickens and tightens over time.

This can lead to:

• Small, firm lumps (nodules) in the palm
• Thickened cords of tissue under the skin
• Fingers that gradually bend toward the palm
• Trouble fully straightening the fingers

It usually develops slowly over months or years. The condition most commonly affects:

• Men over age 50
• People of Northern European descent
• Individuals with a family history of dupuytren's contracture

It can affect one or both hands.

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Why Does Dupuytren's Contracture Curl the Fingers?

The curling happens because the thickened fascia forms tight cords that act like shortened ropes under the skin. As these cords tighten, they pull the fingers inward.

Importantly:

• The tendons themselves are not the problem.
• The joints are not initially damaged.
• The issue is in the connective tissue beneath the skin.

As the condition progresses, the finger joints may stiffen from being bent for long periods, which can make correction more difficult later on.

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What Causes Dupuytren's Contracture?

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but research shows it is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Risk factors include:

• Family history (strong genetic link)
• Age over 50
• Male sex
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain seizure medications

It is not caused by hand overuse, typing, or manual labor. Many people worry they "did something wrong," but this is not the case.

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Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Early dupuytren's contracture can be subtle. Watch for:

• A small lump in your palm that doesn't go away
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Tightness when placing your hand flat on a table
• Gradual difficulty straightening a finger

A simple self-check doctors use is the "tabletop test." Try placing your palm flat on a table. If you can't fully flatten it, dupuytren's contracture may be progressing.

If you notice these symptoms and want to better understand whether they align with Dupuytren's Contracture, a free AI-powered symptom checker can provide personalized insights in minutes before your doctor's appointment.

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Is Dupuytren's Contracture Dangerous?

Dupuytren's contracture is not cancer and does not spread to other parts of the body. It is not life-threatening.

However, it can become functionally limiting. Severe cases may make it difficult to:

• Wash your hands
• Wear gloves
• Grip large objects
• Put hands in pockets
• Shake hands comfortably

In advanced stages, permanent joint stiffness can develop if left untreated.

While not dangerous, it is important to monitor progression and seek medical advice if function declines.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should speak with a doctor if:

• Your finger cannot fully straighten
• The bending interferes with daily activities
• The condition appears to be progressing
• You experience pain (though many cases are painless)

Early evaluation can help determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

If you experience sudden swelling, severe pain, redness, fever, or rapid changes, seek medical care promptly, as those symptoms may signal a different or more urgent condition.

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Medically Approved Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how advanced the dupuytren's contracture is and how much it affects your daily life.

1. Observation ("Watchful Waiting")

If symptoms are mild and not limiting function, your doctor may recommend monitoring the condition.

• Regular hand exams
• No immediate intervention
• Treatment only if progression affects function

This approach is common in early stages.

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2. Collagenase Injections (Enzyme Treatment)

For moderate cases, doctors may use an FDA-approved enzyme injection (collagenase).

How it works:

• The enzyme is injected into the tight cord.
• It breaks down the thickened tissue.
• The doctor gently straightens the finger a day or two later.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive
• Done in an outpatient setting
• Shorter recovery than surgery

Risks may include swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort. Recurrence is possible over time.

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3. Needle Aponeurotomy (Needle Release)

In this minimally invasive procedure:

• A small needle is inserted through the skin.
• The tight cord is weakened or divided.
• The finger is manually straightened.

Advantages:

• Quick recovery
• Minimal incisions
• Can be done under local anesthesia

However, recurrence rates can be higher compared to surgery.

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4. Surgical Fasciectomy

For more advanced dupuytren's contracture, surgery may be recommended.

During surgery:

• The thickened fascia is removed.
• The finger is straightened as much as possible.

Benefits:

• More durable correction
• Better for severe contractures

Drawbacks:

• Longer recovery time
• Physical therapy may be needed
• Risk of stiffness, nerve injury, or recurrence

Surgery is generally reserved for cases where contracture significantly affects hand function.

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Does Dupuytren's Contracture Come Back?

Yes, recurrence is possible with all treatment options.

Dupuytren's contracture is a chronic condition. Even after successful treatment:

• New cords can form.
• Contractures may return years later.

The goal of treatment is to improve function—not to permanently cure the condition.

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Can Stretching or Exercises Fix It?

Hand exercises and stretching alone do not reverse dupuytren's contracture. However, after treatment, physical therapy may help improve motion and strength.

Splinting has mixed evidence and is typically used after procedures rather than as a standalone treatment.

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Practical Next Steps

If you suspect dupuytren's contracture:

• Monitor changes in your hand.
• Try the tabletop test monthly.
• Document progression with photos.
• Use a free AI-powered Dupuytren's Contracture symptom checker to assess your symptoms.
• Schedule an evaluation with a primary care doctor or hand specialist.

Early guidance can help you understand your options before the contracture becomes severe.

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Final Thoughts

Dupuytren's contracture can feel frustrating and concerning, especially when your fingers don't move the way they used to. While it is not life-threatening, it can gradually interfere with everyday life if left unchecked.

The condition develops slowly, often painlessly, and is strongly linked to genetics. Modern treatments—from enzyme injections to minimally invasive procedures and surgery—offer effective ways to improve hand function when needed.

If you notice persistent finger curling, thickened tissue in your palm, or difficulty flattening your hand, don't ignore it. Consider using a reliable symptom checker and speak with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Most importantly, if you ever experience severe pain, rapid changes, infection symptoms, or other concerning signs, seek medical attention promptly. When it comes to your health and hand function, getting expert guidance early can make a meaningful difference.