While at first, there may be some pain associated with the condition; this pain will gradually go away. It has been found to be more common in men then in women but only affect those of Scandinavian descent, especially those who are of Viking descent. Furthermore, it only makes a presence after the age of forty and 70% of those who have Dupuytren's contracture have been found to be genetically predisposed. There has also been trace amounts of links between this condition and smoking, diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism as well as pulmonary tuberculosis.

This condition is usually not painful but it can be at the beginning of the development of the condition and can drastically affect one's ability to function on a daily basis as it makes the smaller fingers unable to extend fully or contract. Each finger on the hand is controlled by tendons which run from the joints of the finger into the palm of the hand. It is here in the palm of the hand where the callous like scar tissue can form on the tendon groups preventing them from freely sliding back and forth on top of each other.

This gives the person the appearance of a hooked hand in which the three smaller fingers of the hand are stuck in a semi-closed position. Furthermore, Dupuytren's contracture can affect any hand and not just the dominant one as well as affecting both hands simultaneously.

The only true treatment option for this condition is surgery and although physical therapy is available, it does not always work and is usually fairly painful to perform. However, in the surgery for Dupuytren's contracture, the surgeon will open up the palm of the hand and remove as much of the scar tissue from the under side of the skin as well as what is entangled in the tendons. The surgeon will also make a z-shaped incision on the affected fingers to loosen them up a bit and allow for easier movement of the fingers.

The other arm related contracture is Volkmann's contracture which closely resembles that of Dupuytren's contracture but it is important to note that the causes are very different. Volkmann's contracture results in a claw-like deformity which is visible in the hands and their fingers. This condition is an affliction of the forearm, not the hand and is caused by excessive pressures on the forearm's muscles. This condition too can be remedied by a surgical procedure of the forearm.