Well, Aims (sorry to have left your post unanswered for so long), I think you need to go back to the doctor and ask for a specific look into d.contracture. If you're of northern British descent, there's every likelihood that your ancestors were from Scandinavia.
It is an hereditary condition.
I'm no expert, but I had a male friend with this condition, and in it's severest form, it can be unpleasant.
Be upfront with your GP. Sometimes, they're unwilling to look into specifics unless you provide them with one.
I wish you the best of luck, and please keep us posted.