Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a common condition that usually arises in middle age or later and is more common in men than women. Firm nodules appear in the ligaments just beneath the skin of the palm of the hand, and in some cases they extend to form cords that can prevent the finger straightening completely. The nodules and cords may be associated with small pits in the skin.
Dupuytren's Symptoms
Dupuytren's disease begins with nodules in the palm, often in line with the ring finger. The nodules are sometimes uncomfortable on pressure in the early stages, but the discomfort almost always improves over time.
In about one affected person out of every three, the nodules extend to form cords that pull the finger towards the palm and prevent it straightening fully.
Without treatment, one or more fingers may become fixed in a bent position. The web between thumb and index finger is sometimes narrowed.
Contracture of fingers is usually slow, occurring over months and years rather than weeks.