Flexor Tendon Injuries

Injuries to these tendons can lead to restricted motion or a total loss of function. Because of this, seeking a prompt diagnosis and starting treatment quickly is essential for the best possible recovery.

What Are Flexor Tendons?

Flexor tendons are strong, cord-like bands that link the muscles in your forearm to the bones within your thumb and fingers. When these muscles contract, they pull on the tendons, which allows you to curl your fingers or make a fist. These structures travel from the forearm through the wrist and palm, extending all the way to the tips of the digits.

What Causes Flexor Tendon Injuries?

Damage to flexor tendons typically results from sudden trauma or repeated stress over time. Common causes include:

• Contact sports: Injuries sustained during wrestling, football, rugby, or similar activities
• Deep lacerations: Wounds caused by power tools, broken glass, or knives
• Chronic health issues: General wear and tear or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Even a minor cut in a sensitive area of the hand can significantly impair tendon function. Additionally, tendons may rupture without an external wound due to extreme force, forceful pulling, or separation between the muscle and the tendon.

What are Flexor Tendon Injury Symptoms?

You may have suffered a flexor tendon injury if you experience the following:

• A visible open wound or cut
• An inability to bend one or more joints in your thumb or fingers
• Pain when attempting to flex the finger
• Tenderness on the palm side of the affected digit
• Tingling or numbness at the fingertip

In cases involving deep lacerations, you may also notice significant bleeding or signs of nerve damage, such as a loss of sensation in the hand.

How are Flexor Tendon Injuries Treated?

Nonsurgical Treatment

• Splinting: Temporary splints may be used to keep the hand or finger protected.
• Observation: In some instances, minor injuries that do not involve a complete rupture can heal through careful monitoring and immobilization.

Surgical Treatment

• Most severe flexor tendon injuries—particularly complete ruptures or deep cuts—require surgical intervention to reconnect the tendon.
• These procedures often include the repair of other damaged structures, such as blood vessels or nerves.
• Following surgery, a combination of postoperative splinting and hand therapy is vital to protect the surgical site and restore mobility.

What is Flexor Tendon Injury Recovery Like?

Recovering from this type of injury is often a months-long process that requires a dedicated commitment to rehabilitation.

• Hand therapy: Specialized exercises and guided movements are necessary to regain strength, flexibility, and overall hand utility.
• Potential risks: It is common to experience stiffness or scarring; in some cases, additional surgery may be required to improve the range of motion.
• Expected outcomes: While results vary based on the severity of the injury, how quickly treatment began, and adherence to therapy, many patients return to high levels of function.

Because flexor tendons cannot heal on their own, immediate medical care significantly increases the likelihood of regaining full use of the hand. If you suspect a tendon injury, seek professional medical attention immediately.

Flexor Tendon Injury Treatment at Fox Valley Orthopedics

Are you dealing with a flexor tendon injury in Illinois? At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we are committed to ensuring our patients feel supported, safe, and confident throughout their recovery process. Through expert management and personalized care, we can help you minimize pain and improve your overall quality of life.

Call today to make your appointment: (855) FVORTHO | (855) 386-7846.