Why is it called Vikings' disease?

September 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting primarily people of Northern European descent, the condition known as Dupuytren's contracture has long been nicknamed Vikings' disease. This moniker stems from the observation that the highest prevalence of the condition is found in areas historically settled by Viking populations.

Quick Summary

Dupuytren's contracture is called Vikings' disease due to its high prevalence in people of Northern European and Scandinavian descent, areas historically inhabited by Viking populations, suggesting a genetic link through ancient migration patterns.

Key Points

Genetic Link, Not Viking Origin: The nickname "Vikings' disease" comes from the high prevalence in Northern European populations, but recent genetic studies suggest a far older origin linked to Neanderthal DNA, not Viking migration.
Hereditary Condition: Dupuytren's contracture, the formal name, is a hereditary condition where the connective tissue in the palm thickens, causing fingers to curl inward.
Not Caused by Injury or Overuse: Contrary to some beliefs, the disease is not caused by hand overuse or injury, though other risk factors like gender, age, and diabetes are associated with it.
Progressive Symptoms: Symptoms often begin as painless nodules in the palm and can progress to fibrous cords that pull the fingers into a permanently bent position.
Multiple Treatment Options: Treatment ranges from observation for mild cases to minimally invasive procedures (like needling or enzyme injections) or surgery for more severe contractures that impair hand function.
Higher Prevalence in Certain Populations: The disease is most common in men over 40 of Northern European descent, aligning with the distribution of specific ancient genetic variants.

The origins of a persistent nickname

The nickname "Vikings' disease" for Dupuytren's contracture is a tradition rooted in epidemiological observation rather than hard historical evidence. The theory gained traction based on the fact that the highest prevalence of this hand condition is found in populations from Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia, the British Isles, France, and Germany—all regions with significant Viking settlement and influence during the 9th to 13th centuries. This geographic clustering suggested a hereditary link that was spread by Viking expansion and intermarriage.

However, it is crucial to understand that this is largely historical lore. While the genetic component is real, the idea that the disease originated with the Vikings and was spread by them has been challenged by more recent genetic research. This is one of those instances where a catchy, traditional name persists despite modern science offering a more nuanced explanation.

Unpacking the genetic link

Recent genetic research has uncovered a fascinating alternative origin story that reaches back much further than the Viking age. A study published in 2023 in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that some of the most significant genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture were inherited from Neanderthal ancestors. This discovery fundamentally shifted the understanding of the disease's origins. Modern humans and Neanderthals interbred tens of thousands of years ago, and these genetic variants have persisted in certain populations, particularly those of Northern European descent.

The Neanderthal connection

Here’s what the research indicates about the Neanderthal link:

Ancient Heritage: Modern humans carry traces of Neanderthal DNA. The study identified specific Neanderthal genetic variants that are among the most important risk factors for developing Dupuytren's.
Genetic Distribution: These Neanderthal-derived genes are more common in people of European descent than in people of African or Asian descent, which aligns with the observed prevalence patterns of Dupuytren's.
Evolutionary Advantage?: While the exact evolutionary purpose of these genes is unknown, their persistence suggests they may have provided some advantage in the past, even if they now contribute to a condition like Dupuytren's.

Comparing origin theories: Viking vs. Neanderthal


Aspect	Traditional "Viking" Theory	Modern "Neanderthal" Theory	Conclusion
Origin	Postulates origin among Scandinavian populations during the Viking Age (9th–13th centuries).	Traces genetic variants back to Neanderthals, far older than the Viking Age.	Neanderthal theory is genetically supported and predates the Vikings.
Spread	Spread through Viking migration, exploration, and intermarriage across Northern Europe.	Spread by the ancient dispersal of human populations carrying Neanderthal DNA.	Modern migration patterns more accurately reflect Neanderthal lineage, not just Viking paths.
Evidence	Based on historical observation of high prevalence in regions with Viking history.	Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying specific gene variants.	Neanderthal theory is backed by strong genetic evidence, while the Viking link is a historically observed correlation.
Prevalence	High prevalence observed in Scandinavian and Northern European regions.	Explains the higher prevalence in Northern European populations due to specific Neanderthal gene variants.	Neanderthal genetics provides a more precise and ancient reason for the observed population patterns.

The modern reality of Dupuytren's contracture

Despite the popular nickname, Dupuytren's contracture is a complex condition with a still-unknown direct cause. While genetics is the most accepted risk factor, several other elements are associated with it:

Demographics: Affects men more than women, particularly those over 40. The incidence increases with age.
Associated Conditions: Links have been found with diabetes, epilepsy, and alcohol abuse. However, the exact nature of these connections is not fully understood.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking is also considered a risk factor.
Not an Overuse Injury: Contrary to popular belief, there is no strong evidence that manual labor or hand injuries are a direct cause.

Symptoms and progression

Understanding the symptoms is key to managing the condition. It often begins subtly and progresses slowly over time. The primary signs include:

Nodules: Firm lumps, or nodules, appear under the skin in the palm. They may be tender at first but often become painless over time.
Pitting and Puckering: The skin on the palm may start to pucker or form deep pits.
Cords: Thickenings, or fibrous cords, may extend from the nodules into the fingers. These cords are what cause the characteristic flexion.
Contracture: The cords tighten, pulling the fingers (most commonly the ring and little fingers) towards the palm, making it difficult to straighten them fully.
Functional Impairment: This progressive bending can interfere with daily activities such as washing, writing, and shaking hands.

Treatment options

Treatment is not always necessary for mild cases. For more advanced contractures, several options are available, depending on the severity and progression of the disease:

Observation: For minor nodules or cords that do not affect function, a doctor may recommend monitoring the condition, often using the "tabletop test" to track progression.
Needle Aponeurotomy: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a needle to puncture and break the cords, releasing the tension and allowing the finger to straighten.
Enzyme Injections: An injection of a specialized enzyme (collagenase) can help break down the fibrous cords. A day or two later, the doctor manipulates the hand to straighten the finger.
Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical removal of the thickened tissue (fasciectomy) is an option. While effective, it has a longer recovery time and a higher risk of recurrence.
Hand Therapy and Splinting: Used post-procedure to help maintain hand mobility and stretch the affected tissue, though the long-term effectiveness of splinting alone is debated.

Conclusion: More than just a nickname

While the nickname Why is it called Vikings' disease? provides a memorable, if slightly misleading, historical hook, the actual story is a testament to the power of modern genetics. The disease, properly known as Dupuytren's contracture, is a complex hereditary condition with roots tracing back to ancient Neanderthal ancestry. Understanding the true origin helps move past historical myths and focus on the genetic realities and effective modern treatments for this common hand disorder. For more detailed information on living with Dupuytren's contracture, including treatment options and patient resources, visit the Dupuytren Research Group website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vikings' disease is the nickname for Dupuytren's contracture, a hereditary condition that causes the fibrous tissue in the palm to thicken. This can lead to fibrous cords that pull the fingers, most often the ring and little fingers, into a permanently bent position.

The nickname is based on historical observation rather than direct causation. The disease is highly prevalent in people of Northern European and Scandinavian descent, regions where Vikings settled. For centuries, it was believed that they were responsible for spreading the condition, though more recent genetic findings point to a much earlier origin involving Neanderthal genes.

Yes, it is most formally known as Dupuytren's contracture, named after French surgeon Guillaume Dupuytren. It has also been called the "Curse of the MacCrimmons" in Scotland due to a high prevalence in a family of bagpipers.

Yes, while most common in people with Northern European ancestry, cases of Dupuytren's contracture have been reported in populations worldwide, including in Asia and Africa, though at a much lower frequency.

Early signs typically include a firm lump or nodules in the palm, often near the base of the ring or little finger. The skin in the area may also start to appear puckered or dimpled.

The condition is usually painless, though some individuals may experience initial tenderness or aching in the nodules that form in the palm. The functional impairment from the bent fingers is often the more significant problem.

There is currently no cure for Dupuytren's contracture. Treatments are available to manage symptoms and release the contractures, but the condition can recur over time. Management options include observation, injections, needling, and surgery.