Tag Archives: bent finger

Bent Finger

Posted on by Dr. Herazy

Why do I have a bent finger that won’t straighten?  

Bent finger of Dupuytren contracture of left hand, showing cord and advanced flexion of ring finger. Bent fingers cause difficulty doing common tasks. Based on the single finding of a bent finger that won’t straighten, no confident answer is possible. However, the most frequent and most likely reason for a stuck bent finger is Dupuytren contracture.  Other, less likely, possibilities are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, trigger finger (tenosynovitis) and diabetes. It might be important to see your doctor to investigate these other possibilities if there are good reasons to do so.     

Eliminate a bent finger with safe natural treatment

Great news!  Surgery is not always necessary to straighten a bent finger that comes with Dupuytren’s contracture.  Since 2002 the Dupuytren Contracture Institute has helped people who struggle with one or more bent fingers relates to DC.  People who closely follow the DCI treatment strategy early can do rather well. Even those who can’t straight finger at all. We hear from 8-10 people who use our large treatment plan reporting they see moderate to marked reduction of their signs and symptoms of Dupuytren, for every one report of failure.

We find that the larger the treatment plan, and the closer a person follows DCI treatment suggestions, the better the Dupuytren self-heals. For information about DCI treatment plans.

Regardless, it is important for people with Dupuytren to understand that self-repair and self-healing happen every day. People heal an unknown percent of early Dupuytren disease, and even reduce later, larger palm nodules and cords of Dupuytren’s contracture.

Our position has always been that while hand surgery is always an option, it makes sense to first attempt non-surgical treatment and therefore possibly avoid the inherent risks of surgery.

How to use natural therapy for Dupuytren’s disease?
► It’s easy.  Click on Start Dupuytren’s Treatment

Let’s explore this problem through a few questions commonly asked by people who want to know more about their bent finger.

How do I know it is Dupuytren that is causing my bent finger? 

As discussed in the first paragraph, there are many reasons to explain why a bent finger won’t straighten. Even so, the reader can be fairly confident a stuck bent finger is due to Dupuytren contracture when several of these risk factors are present:

  • Age 50+
  • Family descended from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or a Scandinavian country
  • One or more family members have Dupuytren contracture
  • Musician
  • Diabetic
  • History of recent injury or surgery to upper extremities
  • History of alcohol abuse or liver disease
  • History of diabetes
  • History of heavy manual labor

Dupuytren’s disease and trigger finger

Let’s also consider in a little more detail another reason why a finger stays bent:  trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis).

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls a finger can’t glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it.   Two situations can cause this to happen.  One, a swollen tendon in the palm gets stuck on a narrowed part of the tendon sheath that surrounds that tendon.  Two, when the sheath becomes narrowed for some reason, like pressure caused by an abnormal DC palm lump that should not be in the palm.  Any finger can display a trigger finger that suddenly locks up while in a bent position and just as suddenly releases the hold – like pulling a trigger and it suddenly snaps free. Trigger finger can be occasional or frequent, mild or severe, locked in a bent position for a short or prolonged time, and mildly or severely painful.

It is rather common for trigger finger to develop in one or more fingers that also have Dupuytren’s contracture going on.  To say it another way, trigger finger is a common complication and can occur at the same time as Dupuytren’s contracture. This happens because of tissue irritation caused by the expanding palm lump and finger cord. Of course, this leads to inflammation and swelling (narrowing) of the tendon sheath.

There are a few important differences between trigger finger and Dupuytren contracture. Trigger finger has a very sudden onset.  Plus, it has a popping sound with the sudden release of the swollen tendon within the sheath covering it. In these cases, a trigger finger is normal between episodes. However, the stuck finger of Dupuytren contracture has a very slow onset. Likewise, there is no popping sound because there is no tendon release.  Lastly, the locked finger of Dupuytren contracture is constant.

>> Natural Dupuytren Contracture Treatment – FAQs

Are Dupuytren nodules or cords a type of tumor of the hand?

No, Dupuytren’s contracture is not a cancerous tumor.   However, certain serious hand cancers can also cause hand pain, reduced finger movement and swelling.  For example, giant cell tumor and epithelioid sarcoma. For this reason, if there is a history of cancer in your family, or something about your current problem make you suspect cancer, it is wise to have your doctor evaluate your hand complaints. The true cause of a constantly bent finger that can’t be straightened, cancer or not.

What keeps my finger bent all the time?

Short answer: the Dupuytren’s cords keep the fingers bent constantly, like they are tied down in a curled position.

Dupuytren contracture begins as a thickening of the deep tissue of the palm (palmar fascia).  This tissue is located below the skin and above the bones and tendons of the palm.  This thickened palm tissue slowly grows, and as it does it develops a cord of dense tissue that attaches to a finger.  Over time, this cord shortens or contracts, causing that finger to curl down toward the palm. This reduces movement of the involved fingers. At this stage, the finger stays bent.  Eventually, if more than one finger is involved, the hand takes on the appearance of a modified fist or claw.

Use natural therapy for Dupuytren’s disease?
► It’s easy.  Click on Start Dupuytren’s Treatment

Why is my finger bent and why did it stop hurting?

People comment that when their Dupuytren contracture started up, they had a flexed finger and it was fairly painful. This resulted in great clumsiness. Slowly and gradually, this changed.  Soon the involved won’t straighten out completely, eventually constricting finger movement completely, and the pain stopped.

Is this the reason I have a bent finger without pain?

Pain is a fairly common complaint when Dupuytren contracture begins, often described as constant stinging or burning pain wherever there are lumps on the palm of the hand.  Over time, as each finger gets stuck in a constant bent position, pain becomes less frequent and less intense.

Generally, Dupuytren contracture is not a very painful condition.  Dupuytren’s contracture is known mostly for the bent fingers, inability to fully open the hand, as well as the palm lumps. When pain is a major issue with Dupuytren’s contracture it is because the growing and contracting collagen tissue is pressing on, or wrapping around, nerve tissue in the palm.      

Use Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper to measure bent fingers

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Successful Dupuytren treatment demands that you know the exact limit of your hand contraction each step of the way

The Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper is a requirement for good results with self-directed Dupuytren treatment.  You must know how much your hand is contracted and finger movement is limited in order to guide your therapy plan to a successful conclusion.  Otherwise you are only guessing about your hand contracture, and that does not help you regain full use of your hand.

People are wrong to only pay attention to the obvious palm lumps and finger cords of their Dupuytrens contracture.  The Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper makes it easy to know exactly how much their finger contracture is affecting hand movement and flexibility.

Dupuytren Contracture Institute Calipers to measure hand contracture and bent fingers
DCI caliper is an essential tool to guide Dupuytren treatment

The DCI caliper with built-in measurement scale will help you easily and accurately determine reduced finger and hand movement caused by Dupuytrens disease. With it you will document how far your finger contraction is kept flexed toward the palm or wrist, as well as the other important measurement of how far your palm is kept from flattening against a table top or other flat surface.  These two numbers are essential baseline measurements to determine progress, or lack of progress, of your self-directed Alternative Medicine Dupuytrens treatment.

If you do not know the true state of your bent finger and hand contracture at the start of care you will never know exactly how much improvement you have made, or if you have made any at all.  You must know if you are making actual progress over your Dupuytren hand problem because this information will tell you if and when to change your treatment or perhaps not change it at all.

Many people think, “I’m not stupid. I will know if my finger is improving.  I do not need to measure.”  But they find after a few weeks of treatment they are totally unsure if the progress they think they have made is real or just a hopeful product of their imagination.  Armed with this valuable information you will know if and when to change a treatment plan that is not working, or to keep following a treatment plan that it is working.  Either way, for best treatment results you must not guess about any of this.

Order Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper  

Using the DCI caliper to measure contracture of the hand:

  1. The caliper is tightened or loosened by using the large plastic knob at the pivot in the middle. The caliper has two pairs of “legs.”  The “inside legs” are used to measure the inner distance of a closed surface, and the “outside legs” are used to measure an outside surface.  The inside legs of the caliper are straight but bent only at the very tips to look like the letters “J” and “L.”   The outside legs are rounded to look like big pincers or the letter “C.”   To measure with either the inner or outer legs the caliper must be positioned so the straight legs are crossed over each other and the curved millimeter (mm) scale to provide a distance reading, just as you see it in the picture, above.
  2. Adjust the large plastic knob in the center of the caliper so the legs move with moderate resistance; this assures your measurements are accurate.  The knob must be loose enough that the legs move with some ease, but tight enough that they do not move once you put them in position.
  3. Each line on the curved scale represents 2 millimeters (mm).  The scale ranges from 0 to 200mm.
  4. Position the tips of the straight inside legs so the “J” and “L” touch each other. Notice that the edge of the moveable leg touches the “O” on the mm scale, meaning no millimeters. When the tips of the inner legs are 50mm apart the tips of the outer legs are also 50mm apart.
  5. Either half of the caliper – the “inside legs” or the “outside legs” – can be used to document improvement of your limited finger and hand movement.  Use either side or pair of legs that is more comfortable or whichever one works best for your circumstance since the measurement will be the same.

Marking hand and fingers for measurement

Each time the hand is measured the same pair of reference points must be used, and the information must be written down for later comparison using the “Caliper Hand Measurement Chart” you received with your DCI Hand Caliper.

It is best to use naturally occurring landmarks on the fingers, palm or wrist of your hands if they are small enough to make a precise measurement, and if you will be able to easily find the same landmark each time you use the caliper for hand and finger measurements.

Locate a small and easily recognized natural landmark on the involved finger and hand.  These two points should be obvious and easily located each time you measure your progress. Carefully place a dot precisely at the point you wish to use each time you measure. Using large dots or different point locations make inaccurate readings that cannot be compared over time, and this does not help you to know if you are progressing or not.

  1. When taking measurements for the first time write notes or make a quick drawing of the local area that explains each point location in a way that is easy for you to understand and duplicate.  For easy reference, write the notes that describe the points you are using on your “Caliper Hand Measurement Chart.
  2. Mark you skin with a fine felt tip or ballpoint pen to clearly identify the exact points you will use each time to make your measurements.
  3. Examples of natural landmarks on your fingers, hands or wrists that will increase the speed and accuracy of your measurements:
    a. Where a fingernail has a natural vertical ridge or flaw that does not change.
    b. Where the fingernail bed and skin touch at the end of the finger (that little corner location where you might sometime get a hang nail).  Use the same fingernail corner each time.
Find a good point for measurement of contracture of hand by using the corner of the nail bed when the hand won't open.
Figure 1. Either corner of nail bed can be used to make caliper measurement.
Dupuytren disease measurement to determine progress of Dupuytren treatment involves measuring distance of finger contraction from wrist or palm.
Figure 2. Either corner of nail bed can be used to make caliper measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

c.   The very tip of your finger; it is the highest point when you look at your finger from the front and from the side view.

Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture progress is measured using measurement to determine how each bent finger is kept flexed toward palm.
Figure 3. Center of finger looking from side view.
Measure center of contracted finger that results in bent finger and hand that won't open
Figure 4. Center of finger looking from front view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little fnger tip showing center of contracted finger because of Dupuytren cord and lump on palm of hand.
Figure 5. Center of same finger shown in Figures 3 & 4, found by combining information from front and side view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d.   At the base of your palm, on or near the wrist crease, find a point where two or three creases meet to form a “V,” “X” or “Y”.

Wrist crease is good reference point to determine how far bent fingers how far hand contracture is held.
Figure 6. Look closely for naturally occurring "Y" formation created by creases as base of palm of hand
Measurement at a palm reference point monitors progress of hand contraction and ent fingers
Figure 7. Two creases cross at this point making a very clear "X" to be used as a reference point for measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life is difficult for those with Dupuytren's contracture when the hand won't open and finger contraction makes common daily activities impossible.
Figure 8. An inverted "Y" can be used to measure Dupuytren treatment progress.
Dupuytren disease causes reduced hand dexerity due to contracted fingers and palm lumps.
Figure 9. Here is a good reference point. a "V" that touches the natural wrist crease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dupuytren contracture treatment progress can be monitored by measuring changes of hand contracture and how badly bent fingers are flexed toward lumps on palms.
Figure 10. Place ONE dot where lines cross or meet to form an "X" or "Y" or "V" landmark on or near wrist cease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Slightly bend your wrist.  Notice if one or two wrist creases create a nice landmark that will be easy to locate each time you want to measure your progress.   A crease or wrinkle of skin may cross over a vein, tendon, scar or blemish, making a precise reference point.
Dupuytren's contracture of hand and loss of finger dexterity result in a hand taht won't open.
Figure 11. Here a vein crosses under the wrist cease, making an excellent natural landmark for measurement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If all else fails you can locate the center of the wrist crease using a ruler, although this is much more difficult and less precise.

Order Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper 

Measure distance bent finger flexed toward palm

Each time you how close your finger is kept flexed toward your palm you must use the same two reference points on the finger and palm or wrist.  If you have Dupuytren contracture of one finger you will use two reference points.  If two fingers are flexed toward the palm of one hand, three reference points are needed (one on each finger tip and a single point on the wrist).  Three fingers require four points for measurement.  You will make a mark on the fingertip of each involved finger and you will use the same point on the palm or wrist as a reference point for each finger.

  1. Mark each involved finger – Find a natural landmark or locate the center of the fingertip, as described above, of each finger affected by Dupuytren contracture.  Place a small precise mark at each point.
  2. Mark the palm or wrist – Find a natural landmark or measure for the center of the wrist crease, as described above. This wrist point does not have to be in direct line with the involved finger(s); it can be off to an angle or side of the wrist.  The only rule is that you use these same points each time you measure.
  3. Less contracture of hand and fewer Dupuytren cords allows bent fingers greater movement.
    Figure 12. DCI hand caliper is used to measure two simple and exact reference points, guiding Dupuytren treatment to successful conclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.  The wrist point can be located on the palm-side at the center of the wrist, or at an angle off toward the thumb or little finger side of the wrist crease; it can be anywhere on the crease as long as it easy to locate accurately and can be duplicated each time a measurement is made.
b.   If two or more fingers are involved on the same hand, the same palm or wrist point is used as the reference point for all fingers of that hand.
c.   Open your hand as far as possible.
d.   Place the tips of two caliper points (either inner or outer legs) on the small dots you selected at the finger and wrist points.

Keep exact records of how far finger contraction causes bent fingers to reduce hand use.
Figure 13. Place tips of two outside legs on the finger and wrist point to determine the distance the finger is kept flexed toward the palm.
It is important to have an exact measurement at the start of Dupuytrens treatment to document how far each finger is contracted and how far hand won't open.
Figure 14. This measurement is taken from the corner of the nail bed to a naturally occurring point at or near the wrist crease. Either finger point (center point of finger or corner of nail bed) can be used, but once a particular set of points are used at the start of treatment they cannot be changed without upsetting the accuracy and relevance of the progress your measurements are intended to document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.  Write the millimeter (mm) distance, as shown on the curved caliper scale, on your measurement record.

 

Measure amount of hand contracture

Each time you measurement your inability to flatten your hand on a tabletop, you must use the same two reference points.

If you find that only one side of the hand is kept from flattening out, and the other can be made flat, then you need to only measure the side that cannot be flattened. If both sides are kept from flattening, then you should measure both the little finger and index (pointing) finger side of the hand.

  1. Locate a deep wrinkle or crease that is near the knuckle that cannot be flattened.  Place a small dot at the end of the selected crease or wrinkle to serve as the landmark or reference point for that joint.
  2. Mark the side of the finger joint or knuckle that cannot be flattened against the table top. The 1st point can be anywhere on the side of the knuckle that is a naturally occurring landmark; it does not have to be in the center of the joint.

 

Treatment of Dupuytren contracture progress can be measured to note reduction of hand contracture and bent fingers that are less flexed by Dupuytrens cords and palm lumps.
Figure 15. The side of the flexed knuckle joint will have deep creases or folds that can be used as reference points to measure inability to flatten hand.
Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture progress is measured using measurement to determine how each bent finger is kept flexed toward palm.
Figure 16. The end of this crease makes a good reference point for measuring how far the palm is kept flexed and unable to be flattened against a tabletop. This is the classic test for Dupuytrens contracture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate and mark a natural reference point to measure contracture of hand movement.
Figure 17. Locate the top or bottom end of a natural crease on the side of the hand that won't open.
Dupuytren contracture measurement must be done to guide Dupuytren treatment by measuring distance finger contraction prevents hand from opening fully.
Figure 18. The top or bottom of any deep crease can be used to make this measurement of hand contracture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dupuytrens contracture results in hand contracture and bent fingers caused by Dupuytrens cords and palm lumps.
Figure 19. Shows three possible points that could be used for this measurement. Place ONE dot at the end of a well defined crease on the side of the knuckle that cannot be flattened against a tabletop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. The 2nd reference point in this measurement is the tabletop the hand is resting on, and therefore does not have to be marked.
  2. Place your hand on a table top or similar surface.  Press the hand down firmly so the palm is as flat as you can make it.
  3. Using one leg of the inside caliper (with the long straight legs), allow it to touch the dot on the side of the knuckle.
  4. Using the other leg, place the tip on the flat surface directly below the mark you placed on the knuckle being measured.  Do not place the tip of this leg at an angle or far from the knuckle being measured.  If you are not careful with this tabletop point selection you will add a variable to the measurement that will make comparison of other measurements invalid and inaccurate.
An essential part of Dupuytren treatment is exact measurement of hand contraction and finger contraction to assure progress is being made and guide correct therapy dosage.
Figure 20. Place the ends of the two outside legs on the knuckle point and the tabletop to determine the distance in millimeters the hand is kept from flexed so it cannot flatten against the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Write the millimeter (mm) distance, as shown on the curved caliper scale, on your measurement record.
6. To measure the distance the joint on the other side of the hand is being kept from flattening against the tabletop, repeat steps 2-7.

 

Order  Dupuytren Hand Contracture Caliper 

 

Keep accurate and detailed records of your changing finger contracture limitation so you can make appropriate increase or decrease of your therapy plan.
Figure 21. The complete DCI Hand Measurement Form, enables you to use accurate records of your progress to guide your treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

 

Success while using Alternative Medicine treatment for Dupuytren contracture requires that self-care be based closely on positive changes in the distance contracted fingers are kept flexed toward the palm.
Figure 22. Space to indicate if the measurement information being recorded is for the left or right hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the measurement form that comes supplied with the caliper to record increased finger and hand movement.  You will need good records because they are essential to know when to alter your Dupuytren treatment plan and how to do it.

The caliper can be used to determine how far the hand contracture prevents the hand being placed flat against a tabletop. This informiaton is useful to know if and when to change Dupuytren treatment if progress is not being noted.
Figure 23. Space to record the date and millimeter distance the palm is kept from the tabletop, measured at the knuckle.
The caliper can be used to determine how far the hand contracture prevents the hand being placed flat against a tabletop. This informiaton is useful to know if and when to change Dupuytren treatment if progress is not being noted.
Figure 24. Space to record the date and millimeter distance the each involved finger is kept flexed toward the palm. Note that records for more than one finger measurement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What is the problem with my hand? Why can’t I straighten out my pinky and ring finger?

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No confident answer can be given to this question based on this single finding of fingers that are stuck in the bent position.  One of the possible reasons for fingers that won’t straighten out is Dupuytren contracture.  

Good news about Dupuytren contracture treatment and those bent fingers

Surgery is not always necessary to restore the limited finger movement of Dupuytren’s contracture.  Since 2002 the Dupuytren Contracture Institute has helped people from all parts of the world use natural Alternative Medicine therapy to help those who can’t extend their fingers because of DC.  Our position has always been that while hand surgery is always an option, it makes sense to first attempt non-surgical treatment and therefore possibly avoid the inherent risks of surgery.

Results of Alternative Medicine treatment of Dupuytrens contracture therapy

What is Dupuytren’s contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture is a soft tissue problem of thickening and shortening of the deep supporting tissue of the hand (palmar fascia), found immediately above the bones and tendons and below the skin of the hand.  This thickening and shortening that takes place below the skin surface causes lumps on the palm of the hand that results in constricted fingers that are bent down toward the palm preventing the hand from being opened without pain.

Dupuytren hand contracture is slowly progressive as the nodules or lumps on the palm of the hand cause the involved fingers to not straighten out and permanently get stuck in the flexed position with the fingertips toward the palm. Both hands are affected half of the time, and the right hand is more often affected when only one hand develops the problem. One or more fingers can be affected at the same time; usually the ring finger won’t extend or the pinky finger won’t extend – or both fingers can’t open normally.

The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown, but it does appear to have some strong genetic association since seven out of 10 people who are diagnosed with Dupuytren contracture have a family history of the condition.   Further supporting the genetic input of these hand nodules is the finding that those people who have a Scandinavian or North European ancestry (Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland), are far more likely to develop hand nodules than dark skinned people.  It is more common in those over 40 years of age, and men (70%) more often women (30%).  There is still controversy and diverse opinion about the unclear relationship of other disease and environmental factors and the development of Dupuytren contracture:

  • Liver disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Trauma
  • Alcoholism
  • Diabetes

How do I know it is Dupuytren that is causing my fingers to not straighten out? 

As discussed above, there are more than one reason to explain why the pinky and ring finger won’t extend.  The reader can develop a fairly confident conclusion if the hand stiffness is due to Dupuytren contracture when several of these factors are present:

  • Age 40+
  • Male
  • Family descended from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or a Scandinavian country
  • One or more family members have Dupuytren contracture
  • Palm lump at the base of the pinky and/or ring finger
  • Treated for epilepsy
  • Diabetic
  • Alcohol abuse or liver disease

Is this the only thing that could cause my ring finger to not straighten out any more?  Why do I have a bent little finger now?  

First, let’s consider the obvious cause for a lump or density to appear on the palm of anyone’s hand, so you do not have to worry this common and normal palm nodule.   If you have recently begun using your hands in a new way (a new job in a factory or construction, recently started a hobby like gardening or wood working, or heavy housework for a few days in the springtime), that small painful palm lump might be a callus.  Think back to what new activities, or greater work associated with old activities, that could prove your hand nodule is nothing abnormal.

If you cannot otherwise account for the new lumps on the palms, then it could be a rather common condition called Dupuytren’s contracture.

>> Natural Dupuytren Contracture Treatment – FAQs

Let’s also consider another explanation why the hand will not open as it once did:  trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis).  This is really not anything more than a swollen tendon in the palm of the hand that periodically locks up finger movement when it encounters a narrowed part of the tendon sheath that surrounds it.   Any finger or thumb can display a trigger finger reaction in which the affected digit suddenly catches while in a bent position and just as suddenly releases the hold – like a trigger when it is pulled and suddenly snaps as it is  released.  Trigger finger can be occasional or frequent, mild or severe, locked in a bent position for a short or prolonged time, and mildly or severely painful.

The great differentiation between the locked finger of trigger finger and Dupuytren contracture is the trigger finger has a very sudden onset and release with a popping sound, and it is apparently normal between episodes.  While the stuck finger of Dupuytren contracture is slowly progressive, and does not release because it is constant.

Let’s explore this problem through a few questions commonly asked by people who want to know more about their inability to extend their fingers.

Are the Dupuytren nodules or cords a type of tumor of the hand?

No, Dupuytren’s contracture is not a cancerous tumor, although certain hand problems that also cause hand pain, reduced finger movement and swelling are cancers (giant cell tumor or epitheliod sarcoma).  This is the reason it is strongly suggested to have your doctor evaluate your hand complaints and determine a clear diagnosis of the condition that is causing the problem straightening out the fingers and making it so you cannot open your hand without pain.

What keeps my fingers bent all the time and why won’t my fingers straighten out?

Dupuytren contracture begins as a thickening of the deep tissue of the palm (palmar fascia), located below the skin and above the bones and tendons of the palm.   This thickened state slowly progresses and the involved tissue also shortens at the same time, gradually allowing less and less movement until the fingers are constricted completely into a modified fist.  In the early stage of Dupuytren contracture as the palm lumps develop, it is not possible to flatten the hand on a tabletop and pain accompanies it. Later as cords develop from the nodules, the reduced finger movement makes the stiff fingers more pronounced until they come closer to the palm of the hand.

Is this why my pinky finger and ring finger won’t extend open?

Exactly.  People comment that when their Dupuytren contracture starts they can’t open the hand without pain and they experience great clumsiness.  Over time this changes to gradually prevent the  involved finger so it won’t straighten out completely, sometimes eventually constricting finger movement completely.

Is this the reason I can’t open my hand without pain?

Pain is a common complaint when Dupuytren contracture begins, often described as constant stinging and burning pain wherever there are lumps on the palm of the hand.   Over time as each finger gets stuck in a constant bent position, less pain is felt usually.

Generally, Dupuytren contracture is not thought of as a very painful condition; it is known mostly for the bent fingers, inability to fully open the hand, and the palm lumps.