Dupuytren's contracture is a common condition affecting the hand. It's a disease of the palmar fascia, the tough layer of connective tissue just beneath the skin of the palm that ordinarily allows the tendons to move smoothly when flexing the fingers.

For unknown reasons, people with Dupuytren's contracture develop scarring and thickening in the palmar fascia. This causes the skin to pucker and the tendon beneath to shorten. This bends the finger.

While Dupuytren's contracture is usually painless, it can lead to one or more bent fingers that cannot be straightened out. The ring finger is most commonly affected.

Although the cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown, people with diabetes, liver disease or alcoholism seem prone to developing it.

If symptoms are mild, no treatment may be necessary. Heat, exercises and splints may help maintain motion and limit discomfort. It can be helpful to work with a hand (occupational) therapist on exercises and to get splints that may reduce symptoms.

The only highly effective therapy is surgery. A hand surgeon makes a small incision near the affected part of the palm and frees the tendon from the scarred area. This generally restores the ability to straighten the finger again.

If you have Dupuytren's contracture, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. After hearing about them in more detail, you may decide to pursue no treatment at all, as many others with this condition have done.