Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
If you’ve noticed your fingers gradually curling toward your palm and found it harder to keep them straight, you may be dealing with a condition known as Dupuytren’s contracture. This progressive hand condition can affect everyday tasks, from gripping tools to shaking hands.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, our experienced team understands the challenges of living with Dupuytren disease. We offer advanced treatment options, individualized care, and post-operative rehabilitation plans to help patients maintain or restore hand function. Contact us today for an assessment with our specialists.
Dupuytren’s contracture (or Dupuytren contracture) is a condition that affects the connective tissue (called the fascia) beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Over time, thickened tissue and thick cords can develop, pulling one or more fingers into a bent position. This often affects the ring or little finger. In later stages, it can be difficult or impossible to straighten the affected fingers.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. However, the condition appears to be more common in men over 50 and in individuals with diabetes compared to the general population. Other risk factors may include genetics (having a family member with the condition), certain health conditions, and other lifestyle factors.
While Dupuytren’s contracture develops slowly, some people may notice small bumps or changes in skin texture during the early stage of Dupuytren’s disease. A tabletop test is often used during assessment to evaluate flexibility. This is when your doctor will ask you to place your hand flat on a flat surface.
Physical therapy may be recommended as part of conservative treatments for mild symptoms or after surgery to restore movement and improve flexibility. In some cases, physical therapy exercises and gentle stretching can help maintain range of motion, reduce stiffness, and support grip strength in the affected hand. While therapy alone won’t reverse affected fascia changes, it can help delay progression or improve hand function.
Rehabilitation services at our practice are designed to address each patient’s unique needs. Whether combined with radiation therapy, collagenase injections, or surgery, working with a physical therapist can make a noticeable difference in how well patients can perform tasks.
Following surgery, consistency matters. A structured post-operative physical therapy program can promote blood flow, reduce pain, and help prevent recurrence or stiffness. While every patient’s plan is customized, common approaches include:
Research, including some meta-analysis studies, has explored various treatment options and found that targeted exercise and therapy can improve mobility and comfort for many patients.
Stopping physical therapy too soon after surgery can increase the risk of losing range of motion, developing stiffness, or experiencing recurrence of contracture. Without regular exercise to maintain flexibility, thickened tissue can begin to restrict movement again, sometimes more quickly in patients with existing risk factors.
Patients who skip follow-up care may find it harder to straighten their fingers or regain full hand function. Over time, this can make it more difficult to perform tasks such as writing and gripping objects. Many treatments for Dupuytren’s disease work best when paired with ongoing therapy and home stretching routines.
While surgery and physical therapy are key tools, there are other treatment options that may be considered based on the stage and severity of the disease. For example, radiation therapy or collagenase injections may be suggested for certain patients. Conservative treatment approaches, such as gentle stretching, massage, or adaptive occupational therapy, may be recommended for those in the early stage of Dupuytren’s disease or for individuals with mild symptoms.
Some patients may also have coexisting conditions like trigger finger or thumb involvement, which require an integrated approach to treatment. Your care team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that considers your risk, health, lifestyle, and goals.
Recovering from Dupuytren’s contracture often requires patience, persistence, and teamwork with your care providers. Every patient is different, and progress may vary, but with the right combination of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and professional guidance, many can regain better hand function and quality of life.
If you’re living with Dupuytren’s contracture or have recently undergone surgery, the right therapy plan could help you preserve mobility and maintain independence. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our team offers comprehensive rehabilitation, individualized treatment strategies, and expert guidance to help patients move forward with confidence.
Contact our Marietta or Atlanta office today to schedule your evaluation and start your path toward improved hand function.
Randall Alexander, MD
