It's pretty much unpredictable how long it will take until you can actively make a fist again. Typically maybe 1-2 months, in my case it took about 6 motnhs until the operated hand wasn't swollen anymore. For some patients it may evnt ak longer but that's rare. I guess if you assume 2-3 months it might be a good guess and maybe it won't take that long.

Wolfgang
PS: In any case your surgeon should review the result after some time to make sure hat everything is OK. If the swelling increases or the hand gets darker than usual you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Edited 04/11/11 09:38

Good questions. I can remember the exact situation in my case. My hand was swollen somewhat (in month two) and it had me wondering. It was then that I started using the elastic self adhesive bandages to help make a fist. I would cut off about 10 inches of 1 1/2 inch bandage and wrap it around my partially closed fist like a big rubber band. I would wrap pretty tight and leave it on for about 8-10 minutes. I would take it off and then flex my hand open and shut a few times. I did this several times a day using the same bandage for a couple of days. This worked better than anything else during recovery. I only went to the hand therapist two times for my night-time hand splint and a list of exercises. The rest was done myself during the day.

My hand is now (over nine years later) as good as before Dupuytren's. No hint of any Dupuytren's except and a faint line of the scar from the surgery.

Callie,
I’m going on nine weeks and my hand is still swollen. I can only close my hand about 60%. How long did it take for your hand to limber up in order to make a complete fist?