Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive hand condition which affects the tissue under the skin of the palms and fingers. 

This disease eventually leads to the formation of thickened cords or nodules within the palm, causing the fingers to flex toward the palm in a curved posture. 

It may commence as a small lump or thickening of the skin but can lead to serious functional disability over time if left untreated. 

Knowledge of issues related to this condition will be of utmost value in handling its progression effectively.

Finger Mobility Loss

Loss of finger mobility is the most profound problem caused by Dupuytren's contracture. With progressing disease, the tissue cords on the palm thicken and start tightening one or more fingers into a bent position by gradual pull. 

The curling is often referred to as a "contracture". The ring and pinky fingers are most affected, although the condition can affect any finger. As contracted, it is almost impossible to straighten out the fingers, and hand function is significantly limited.

Diminished grip and hand actions

One cannot get a good grip or hold things; simple daily activities such as shaking hands, holding tools, typing, using a smartphone, or even handling small objects become complex. 

When the contracture progresses, one may not even be able to carry out simple tasks such as picking up small objects or opening jars. 

He is greatly handicapped in his ability to get dressed, tie shoelaces, and cook if his Dupuytren's contracture is advanced.

Inability to Carry out Professional and Recreational Activities

For those with careers that involve fine motor functions and dexterity, including perhaps musicians, hairdressers, surgeons, or even mechanics, Dupuytren's contracture can be especially debilitating. 

The condition might prevent such people from performing activities needing precision or strength. In addition, exercises like golf, tennis, or gardening would be hard or impossible because of the reduced range of motion in the fingers.

Quality of Life Effects

Physical disability caused by Dupuytren's contracture presents an individual suffering from the condition with reduced quality of life. 

Simple actions or hobbies cannot be undertaken, and this may lead to frustration and dependence on others; following this comes emotional distress. 

With the advanced stages, people will be dependent on others to execute simple routines; this may in turn result in loss of self-sufficiency.

Social and Psychological Issues

Dupuytren's contracture can have psychological impacts as well. The deformity of the hand may bring shame or shyness, especially among the affected patients in social contacts. 

Further progression of Dupuytren's causes an issue for patients to shy away from handshakes or any other physical contacts due to shyness and, at times, fear of how others might react to them. 

It develops an element of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem in patients.

Pain and Discomfort

Though Dupuytren's contracture is not painful often, some patients can have some discomfort at an earlier stage of the disease. 

The nodules or cords that may develop under the skin can be tender or sore if they have sustained significant pressure or friction. 

At an advanced stage of the contracture, the patient's affected hand can feel tight or stiff, thus having some kinds of accompaniment in conducting day-to-day chores.

Higher Chances of Injuries

Their handicap of free movement of the hand causes patients suffering from Dupuytren's contracture to be more prone to trauma. 

Because the fingers cannot be completely extended, the risk of self-inflicted cuts or burns with knives, utensils, cooking, or other activities requiring hands-on effort is increased.

Long-Term Disability

In advanced stages, the hand can only be used on a rare practical level. At this stage, loss of independence may even extend to one's working ability in many occupations. 

Severe incapacity can even lead some people to early retirement or even full-time career change.

Treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture

There is no known cure for Dupuytren's contracture, but early treatment may prevent the disease from getting worse. Treatments include the following:

Steroid injections

Steroid injections that reduce inflammation and slow down the disease process.

Needle aponeurotomy: 

Minimally incise a thickened cord of tissue so that the fingers can be made to straighten.

Collagenase injections

This is done by the injection of collagenase in the cords, so it weakens and liquefies it and hence allows stretching the fingers manually

Surgical intervention:

Late-stage conditions will also need surgical intervention so that it may remove the affected tissue part and enable proper movement of fingers.

Physiotherapy and hand exercises may also be necessary to maintain range of motion and hand strength.

Conclusion

Although the condition begins mildly, Dupuytren's contracture can cause serious impairments in functionality if not treated. 

Loss of fingers' flexibility in an unavoidable manner determines professional, personal, and sometimes social activities, leading to decline of the quality of life and independence. 

In most cases, people affected with this condition will prevent the irreversible problems that this causes if diagnosed early and appropriately treated, thus keeping their hands in better function for longer periods.