Dupuytren's disease is an abnormal thickening of tissue beneath the skin in the palm of the hand. The tissue between the skin and the tendons called the fascia is affected the most. A small lump of fibrous tissue forms and starts pulling the finger or toe into a flexed or bent position.

The disease often occurs in both hands. In fact, it seems to "spread" from finger to finger, hand to hand, and hand to foot. It can affect the soles of the feet. It's usually milder in the feet compared to the hands and may not even need treatment.