Dupuytren's disease (also called Morbus Dupuytren or coachman's hand) is a disorder of connective tissue. Connective tissue is present everywhere in the body. It ensures that all kinds of structures - such as bones and tendons - are held in place.

In Dupuytren's disease, abnormal thickening occurs in the connective tissue plate (the palmar fascia), which lies just under the skin of the palm of the hand. The places where the connective tissue is thickened feel like lumps or strands in or under the skin. These strands may contract over time, causing fingers to become crooked and unable to stretch properly. The condition can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the knuckles of the fingers (knucklepads), the soles of the feet (Morbus Ledderhose)or the penis (Morbus Peyronie).

Some patients develop an aggressive form of Dupuytren's disease that is more difficult to treat. The condition is progressive. That is, the symptoms increase over time. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated.

Complaints in Dupuytren's disease

Wounds on the hand are not an immediate reason for the onset of this disease, but can trigger it. The first sign of Dupuytren's disease is a small lump or dimple in the palm of the hand, near the hand line at the base of the ring finger and/or the little finger. Slowly, a strand may begin to develop between the palm and fingers. At first, pain is sometimes felt. The disease is most common in the little and ring fingers.

As the disease progresses, the fingers may become so crooked that there are impediments to everyday activities, such as washing the hands, wearing gloves and putting the hands in pockets. In principle, you do not experience pain from the strands at rest, but when using the hand, the strands and nodules may cause pain symptoms.