Dupuytren's (du-pwe-TRANZ) Contracture usually develops over years. The affected fingers can't be straightened completely, which can complicate everyday activities such as placing your hands in your pockets, putting on gloves or shaking hands.

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Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring finger and pinky and the layer of tissue that lies under the skin of your palm. Knots of tissue form under the skin — eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position.

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Certain things may make you more likely to develop Dupuytren's contracture, including: 

• Drinking a lot of alcohol, although most people with the disease do not have alcoholism

• Diabetes

• Seizures, such as those seen in people with epilepsy

• Smoking