The cause of Dupuytren's disease is unknown. Heredity is thought to be a factor, because Dupuytren's disease tends to occur most often in people of northern European descent and among close family members. The thickening of the tissue between the skin and tendons, called the palmar fascia, may be related to one or more factors, such as:

• Alcoholism.
• Smoking.
• Diabetes.

Severe forms of Dupuytren's disease may be successfully treated with surgery. However, the disease may return. Recurrences may be more common when:¹

• The disease develops at an early age.
• You have Dupuytren's diathesis (an unusual natural tendency to develop a serious form of the disease).
• You have another disease, such as diabetes.

People who use vibrating machinery, such as a jackhammer, are a little more likely to get Dupuytren's disease. But use of this type of machinery has not been shown to be a cause of the disease.²