What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture? The Viking Disease Explained

Part of our complete guide to Dupuytren's Contracture.

Last updated: 5 August 2026

Causes and risk factors

Multiple factors can contribute to the development of hand and wrist conditions. These include repetitive strain from occupational or recreational activities, hormonal changes, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease, genetic predisposition, and acute traumatic injuries.

Understanding your individual risk factors allows a clinical team to develop a personalised treatment plan and provide targeted advice on prevention strategies to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Symptoms to watch for

Common symptoms that may indicate you need to see a hand specialist include persistent pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, difficulty gripping objects, stiffness or loss of range of motion, visible lumps or nodules, and fingers that catch or lock during movement.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the evidence supports booking a consultation with the hand surgery team. Early intervention often leads to simpler treatment options and better long-term outcomes.

Diagnosis

Our diagnostic process begins with a thorough clinical examination, during which your surgeon will assess your hand function, sensation, and range of motion. Practitioners use specific clinical tests relevant to your symptoms to help identify the underlying condition.

Additional investigations may include high-resolution ultrasound scanning, X-rays, MRI, or nerve conduction studies. The in-clinic ultrasound capability allows us to provide rapid, accurate diagnoses without the need for hospital referrals in many cases.

Treatment Options

Treatment for hand conditions ranges from conservative measures to surgical intervention, depending on the severity and nature of your condition. Non-surgical options may include splinting, hand therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and ultrasound-guided steroid injections.

When surgery is recommended, a consultant offer the latest minimally invasive techniques including endoscopic and percutaneous procedures, wide-awake local anaesthetic surgery, and ultrasound-guided treatments. These advanced approaches typically result in smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, and faster recovery times.

The surgical procedure

Many hand surgery procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as day cases, meaning you can go home the same day. Our wide-awake hand surgery approach eliminates the need for general anaesthesia in most cases, reducing risks and allowing you to see your hand working during the procedure.

Your surgeon will discuss the specific details of your operation during your consultation, including the type of anaesthesia, expected duration, and any specific preparations you need to make beforehand.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after hand surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. A clinical team will provide you with a detailed recovery plan including wound care instructions, hand therapy exercises, and guidance on when you can return to specific activities.

Hand therapy matters in recovery.

Book a hand surgery consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms affecting your hand or wrist, the clinical team is here to help. Contact Axiom Aesthetics today to book your consultation and take the first step towards effective treatment and recovery.

contact us or email hello@axiomaesthetics. Co. Uk to arrange your appointment.