People with Dupuytren’s disease have difficulty straightening their fingers. This is caused by thickening and tightening of the connective tissue in the palm (the palmar aponeurosis). This fibrous tissue gradually contracts and pulls the finger flexor tendons inward, making it harder to extend the fingers.
Conservative treatment of Dupuytren’s disease works best through a combination of intensive physiotherapy and the use of a finger splint. If conservative treatment is not successful, surgery is an option. A finger splint can be used both before and after surgery to support the treatment process. The following finger splints are suitable for Dupuytren’s disease.
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign condition of the connective tissue (fascia) in the palm of the hand. This tissue can thicken and contract, creating cords that pull on the fingers. As a result, fingers can gradually bend into a flexed position (contracture), usually without any injury. Dupuytren’s develops slowly and varies in severity: for some people it remains as a small nodule, while for others it leads to noticeable finger bending and loss of function.
Causes of Dupuytren’s Disease
The word Dupuytren literally means “contraction.” In a Dupuytren contracture, the fingers are pulled due to a thickening of connective tissue in the palm. Most commonly, the ring finger and little finger are affected. Dupuytren’s disease mainly occurs in white men over the age of 50. The exact cause is unknown, and symptoms usually develop gradually. It begins with a firm band of connective tissue in the palm that extends toward the fingers. Over time (months or years), hard subcutaneous cords can form, causing the fingers to bend and making them difficult to straighten.
Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Stiff fingers
Firm cords of connective tissue
Hard nodules on the inside of the palm
Difficulty straightening the fingers
Over time, the fingers gradually bend
Diagnosis of Dupuytren’s Disease
The diagnosis is usually made based on a physical examination. A doctor assesses the nodules and cords in the palm and checks how much limitation there is in finger extension. Often, the “tabletop test” is used: if you can no longer lay your hand flat on a table, this may indicate a contracture caused by Dupuytren’s disease.
Treatment and Recovery
Not everyone with Dupuytren’s needs immediate treatment. In mild cases, monitoring the condition may be sufficient. If the fingers clearly bend or hand function becomes limited, treatment may be considered, such as needle aponeurotomy, an injection (e.g., enzyme therapy), or surgery. After a procedure, hand therapy and sometimes wearing a splint are recommended to help stretch the fingers and support recovery.
Supportive Brace or Splint for Dupuytren’s
A brace or (night) splint can help support the fingers in a more extended position, especially after treatment or when stretching becomes difficult. This can provide comfort, improve hand function, and help you use your hand in a better position. A brace does not cure Dupuytren’s but can be a practical addition to your treatment plan or recovery process.
Which Braces are Suitable for Dupuytren’s?
For Dupuytren’s, hand and finger braces that provide targeted support for extension limitation without unnecessarily restricting the whole hand are most suitable. Choose a comfortable, well-fitting brace that is easy to put on and take off, and does not pinch if swelling occurs. Because the right brace depends on which finger(s) are affected and the severity of the contracture, consulting a specialist at ProBrace is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dupuytren's Disease
Dupuytren’s develops due to thickening and shortening of the connective tissue in the palm, with hereditary factors often playing a major role. It is more common in men and later in life; other factors such as diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use are also frequently mentioned as risk factors.
Dupuytren’s is usually not easily preventable because genetic predisposition is a major factor. However, a healthy lifestyle (such as not smoking and moderate alcohol use) can be beneficial for overall tissue health, though it offers no guarantee.
Avoid forcing your fingers to stretch if it causes pain or tightness in the skin, as this can cause irritation. Also, do not delay seeking advice if finger contractures increase or hand function decreases.
Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can help keep the hand as flexible as possible, such as slowly bending and straightening the fingers without pain. A hand therapist can provide guidance on the correct exercises and intensity, especially if you have limited finger extension or have undergone treatment.
Dupuytren’s usually does not go away on its own and may slowly worsen. Sometimes it remains stable for a long time, but the thickening and finger contractures generally do not disappear without treatment.
Recovery time depends on the type of treatment: minor treatments may require a few weeks for recovery, whereas recovery after surgery often takes longer (several weeks to months). Hand therapy and, if necessary, a splint can support recovery and maintain finger extension.
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