When Steve Judge, 52, a motivational speaker from Chesterfield, began noticing his little finger curling inward and stiffness in his hands, he knew something wasn’t right. A trip to the GP confirmed he had Dupuytren’s contracture – a condition that causes one or more fingers to bend towards the palm and become difficult to straighten. It develops gradually as tissue in the hand thickens and tightens, often affecting everyday activities like writing, washing, or gripping objects. It can be hereditary and, while not usually painful, can significantly affect hand mobility over time.
“The difference has been life-changing. Simple things like washing your face or typing are no longer a struggle.”
Steve Judge, Dupuytren’s contracture patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
“It started with my little finger on my right hand. It was slowly bending in, and I couldn’t straighten it. Then I began to feel tightness and pain in my other hand too. I found it annoying more than anything as I’d poke myself in the eye when washing my face and couldn’t exercise properly as it was hard to do things like press-ups – plus I’m also an author so I found it hard to type.
“After my GP diagnosed me, I was referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough as an NHS patient for surgery to release the tissue and restore movement. When I got to the hospital, they said, ‘Wow, that’s quite bad’ – and from that point on, everything was brilliant. The team was efficient, friendly and really well organised.
“The day of surgery ran like clockwork – you see the anaesthetist, go in, count down from ten, then you wake up with a bandage, have tea, biscuits, a sandwich – and then discharged all within about four hours of arriving at the hospital. It’s all so smooth.
“Recovery began with physiotherapy and home exercises. I used a sponge ball and splints at night to keep my fingers straight. I even found some physio tools online which have really helped with mobility. Within weeks, I could bend and straighten my fingers properly again. The difference has been life-changing. Simple things like washing your face or typing are no longer a struggle. It might seem minor, but you don’t realise how much you use your hands until something like this happens.”
For Steve, the operation was another chapter in a life that’s already seen its share of challenges. Twenty years ago, a near-fatal car accident left him with life-changing injuries. “I was told I’d never walk again,” he says. “But I refused to accept that.” Through years of rehabilitation and determination, he not only walked again but went on to represent Great Britain as a para-athlete in swimming, cycling and running. “I became British, European, and twice World Champion. That experience taught me that anything is possible with the right mindset.”
Today, Steve channels that same drive into his work as a motivational speaker and author, sharing his story with audiences across the country. “I’ve been speaking for about ten years now,” he explains. “I help people think about what they want to achieve and give them the tools to go after it. It’s about living life with no regrets.”
Even just days after his Dupuytren’s surgery, Steve was back on stage. “I had a speaking gig four days later. I trimmed the bandage down, pulled a brown sock over it so it was less obvious, and off I went,” he laughs. “Driving wasn’t an issue either as I’ve got an automatic car and a steering ball for one hand.” Now, he’s back to cycling, swimming and keeping fit near his home in Chesterfield. “The surgery has made such a difference. I can grip properly again, I’m pain-free, and I can carry on doing what I love.”
“Don’t wait. Even if it seems minor, get it checked,” he says. “You use your hands all the time, and once you’ve had the surgery, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. My NHS surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough was fantastic. It’s made a massive difference to my quality of life.”
Steve Judge, Dupuytren’s contracture patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
Steve knows Dupuytren’s can run in families as his mother also has it, though she’s not needed surgery. “My daughter might inherit it – it’s something we’ll keep an eye on,” he says. He’s aware his other hand may need treatment in the future, but it doesn’t faze him. “It’s a progressive condition, so I’ll probably need surgery again one day, but I know what to expect now – and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough.”
His advice to others is simple: “Don’t wait. Even if it seems minor, get it checked,” he says. “You use your hands all the time, and once you’ve had the surgery, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. My NHS surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough was fantastic. It’s made a massive difference to my quality of life.”
Steve adds, “This condition might come and go, but it won’t stop me. After everything I’ve been through with the accident, the rehab, the training, I know how to face challenges head-on. Dupuytren’s won’t beat me. I’m back doing what I love, feeling strong, and grateful for the care that got me here.”
