Key takeaways

  • Adaptive tools, protective gloves, and assistive technologies, such as voice-activated devices, can help reduce hand strain and make daily tasks easier for people living with Dupuytren’s contracture.
  • Gentle movements and stretches, ideally guided by a healthcare professional, can help maintain hand flexibility and are an important complement to medical treatments.
  • Openly communicating your needs at work and home, along with regular medical check-ups, are crucial for managing Dupuytren’s contracture and ensuring timely access to supportive care.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition that can gradually limit your ability to move some of your fingers. Instead of remaining flexible, the affected fingers may begin to bend toward your palm and become difficult to straighten.

Living with Dupuytren’s contracture can affect everyday hand movements at home and at work. You may find tasks related to self-care, your job, or your favorite hobbies more challenging over time.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture, particularly if it begins to affect your quality of life.

In the meantime, you can take steps to reduce stress on your hands and ease discomfort using practical tools, small modifications, and adaptive strategies.

While Dupuytren’s contracture is rarely painful, a reduced range of motion in your hand can feel uncomfortable. You may also strain other parts of your hand as you adjust to working around bent fingers. This is where using certain adaptive tools can help.

Think about all the daily activities you do most often, and consider having a loved one to help you make a list. Look for items with features like rubber grips, padding, or modified shapes that make them easier to hold and use.

Examples of adaptive tools to consider include:

  • easy-grip writing utensils
  • eating utensils with rubber grips
  • cups with thinner or contoured handles
  • tools with rubber grips
  • aids for pulling on clothes or socks
  • smartphone grip cases
  • joysticks in place of a traditional computer mouse
  • door handles in place of twistable knobs
  • padded steering wheel covers

Medical experts don’t believe that overuse contributes to Dupuytren’s contracture. However, as the condition progresses, repetitive movements and gripping tasks can become harder to perform and may place extra strain on other parts of your hand.

You can help reduce this strain by wearing protective gloves during activities that require frequent gripping. Look for gloves that are fully or partially fingerless so they’re easier to put on. Gloves with side zippers can also be easier to manage if your fingers are contracted.

The goal of using gloves is to improve grip through your palms, so you don’t have to rely as much on your fingers. This may help with tasks, such as opening lids or typing on a keyboard. Some gloves also offer light compression, which may help ease discomfort during daily activities.

Hand devices can make performing daily tasks at home and at work easier. You may find that certain technologies can help reduce how much you rely on your fingers, which can limit strain and frustration.

When you’re trying to minimize finger use, voice-activated and hands-free tools can be especially helpful.

Examples include:

Although Dupytren’s contracture can limit your range of motion, some research suggests that certain gentle movements or stretches may help support hand flexibility.

For example, a 2024 review found that professional cross-friction massage combined with guided at-home stretching was most helpful.

Before trying stretches on your own, it’s important to talk with a doctor, hand surgeon, or physical therapist. They can recommend exercises suited to your specific situation and help you avoid movements that could worsen symptoms.

If at-home exercises are recommended, it’s crucial to repeat them daily and as often as prescribed. These exercises are typically used alongside medical treatments, not as a replacement for them.

Examples of gentle exercises may include:

  • carefully straightening the affected finger(s)
  • lifting each finger while keeping your hand flat on a table
  • moving your fingers side to side while your hand rests flat
  • bending the top two finger joints while gently arching the knuckles

If you’ve had surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture, you’ll likely work with a physical therapist to help restore movement and reduce the risk of recurrence. Physical therapy may continue for several months, and your care team can guide you on safe exercises to do at home during recovery.

Using helpful tools and devices is one way to make everyday activities easier with Dupuytren’s contracture. However, it’s also important to communicate your needs to those around you.

If you need specific accommodations in your workplace, consider talking with your manager or a human resources representative about next steps. This might include adaptive devices, modified tasks, or additional breaks to allow for stretching or rest.

And while you may assume that your friends and loved ones know what you need for support at home, the reality is that some people may require more explicit instruction.

If you have specific needs or concerns about an activity or upcoming event, speaking up in advance can help set realistic expectations. Your friends and family will be happy to support you in any way they can!

Although Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition, a diagnosis doesn’t mean care ends there. Not everyone’s condition progresses at the same pace, and not everyone will need surgery.

Regular check-ins with a doctor can help monitor changes in your hand, such as the development of nodules or cords, or increased finger bending. Your doctor may recommend follow-up visits every 6 months, depending on how your condition is progressing.

Seeing a doctor early can help you access supportive treatments sooner. In addition to surgery for more severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend injections, medications, or physical therapy for milder contractures.

What’s another good time to see a healthcare professional? Any time you notice significant changes in your hands or have concerns about new symptoms. For example, it’s a good idea to check in if you can no longer lay your hand flat on a surface or if additional fingers begin bending toward your palm.

Dupuytren’s contracture can cause any affected fingers to gradually bend toward your palm over time. While this may limit your range of motion, small adjustments can help improve comfort and allow you to continue many of your daily activities.

Whether you try adaptive tools, assistive technology, or supportive items like gripping gloves, it can help to give each option time to see what works best for you. If you’re considering stretches or exercises, talk with your doctor first to make sure they’re appropriate.

Regular check-ins with a healthcare professional are also crucial. While changes at home and at work can help reduce discomfort, they should complement, not replace, any medical treatment your doctor recommends.