Dupuytren contracture gets worse slowly, over years. The condition begins with a firm lump in the palm of the hand. This lump might be a little tender, but usually isn't painful. Over time, the lump can extend into a hard cord under the skin and up into the finger. This cord tightens and pulls the finger toward the palm, sometimes severely. Dupuytren contracture most commonly affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb. The condition often occurs in both hands.