What it is
It often runs in families and is more common in men over 50, people of northern European descent, and people with diabetes or who smoke or drink heavily.
Treatment is only needed if the fingers bend enough to affect daily life. Options include a needle procedure to break the cord, or surgery. It can come back after treatment.
Common signs
- Lumps or pits in the palm
- Thick cords under the skin of the palm
- One or more fingers bending towards the palm and not straightening fully
- Difficulty laying the hand flat on a table
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the hand, including the tabletop test
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Hand clinic letters
- Measurements of finger bend over time
- Procedure or operation notes
- Hand therapy plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is it time for treatment?
- Which treatment is right for me, and what is the recovery?
- How likely is it to come back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- There are no emergency signs specific to this condition; after surgery, a finger that is cold, white or numb needs same-day help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.