How long does Dupuytren's surgery take to work for Dupuytren's contracture?

The operation releases or removes tight tissue in the palm and fingers. A dressing or splint may protect the repair while the incision heals. It is common for stiffness, tenderness, and swelling to limit use at first. The final result depends on how severe the contracture was, which fingers were treated, skin healing, and how consistently exercises are followed. A hand therapist may guide gentle movement, scar care, and a night splint.

Keep the dressing and incision cared for exactly as instructed, elevate the hand when it is swollen, and move the fingers only within the limits given by the surgical team. Attend hand-therapy appointments even when progress feels slow. Avoid gripping, lifting, or soaking the wound until you are cleared. Record changes in finger straightening and everyday tasks so the follow-up visit can address specific problems.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, new numbness, pale or blue fingers, or swelling that makes the dressing tight. Contact the team urgently if a finger becomes cold or movement suddenly worsens. These signs can indicate a wound, circulation, nerve, or recovery problem that needs assessment.

Ask which movements are safe now, when therapy and driving can begin, how long a splint is expected, and what degree of residual bending is realistic for your hand.