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By Mayo Clinic staffDupuytren's contracture can make it difficult to perform certain functions using your hand. Because the thumb and index finger aren't usually affected, many people don't experience much inconvenience or disability with fine activities such as writing. But as Dupuytren's contracture progresses, it can limit your ability to fully open your hand, and make it difficult to grasp large objects or to get your hand into narrow places.
People with Dupuytren's contracture may experience other connective tissue disorders, including:
- Plantar fibromatosis. Sometimes called Ledderhose disease, plantar fibromatosis occurs on the sole of the foot and is similar to Dupuytren's contracture. Lumps and cords of tissue form on the sole, and the toes may be pulled down, making it difficult to walk. This rare complication is most common in people with a severe familial form of Dupuytren's contracture called Dupuytren's diathesis.
- Peyronie's disease. This rare tissue disease affects the penis. Scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis, causing a bend in an erect penis. This complication is rare and may also be a risk for people with Dupuytren's diathesis.
- Knuckle pads (Garrod's nodes). Pads of tissue may form on the tops of your fingers, over the middle knuckle (proximal interphalangeal joint). Knuckle pads are more common in people with Dupuytren's diathesis.