What are flexor tendons, and what do they do?
On the palm side of the hand, the flexor tendons are strong, silky cords that connect the muscles of the forearm to the bones of the fingers and thumb. These tendons allow us to bend our wrists, grasp a coffee cup, button our shirts, open jars, and execute other daily tasks that require us to flex our fingers and thumb. If you feel you have a flexor tendon injury, contact Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab for a visit and let’s get you on the road to recovery.
How do flexor tendons become injured, and what are the symptoms of a flexor tendon injury?
A cut to the palm side of the hand is the most common cause of flexor tendon injury. Injuries can also happen as a result of sports or rheumatic problems. When a player’s finger becomes hooked on another player’s jersey or clothing, the tendon at the tip of the bone is ripped away.
This is known as a “Jersey Finger.” Flexor tendons can tear and rupture as a result of bone spurs or inflammatory joint fluid caused by arthritis. Pain, swelling, tenderness, and the inability to bend the finger are all signs of a flexor tendon injury.
What is the treatment for a flexor tendon injury?
A flexor tendon injury is pretty serious. Cut or ruptured tendons do not heal by themselves and require surgery. A hand surgeon will test the tendons individually to determine which tendons have been affected. X-rays may be taken if the injury was caused by glass or other debris.
How can a hand therapist help with this condition?
A hand therapist is an essential component of post-surgery care. Following surgery, the hand therapist will make a personalized orthosis to protect the surgical repair and begin a safe and important exercise regimen. Without these steps, the repaired tendon can scar or rupture, resulting in a poor outcome. See a tendon repair expert to ensure you heal as best as possible!
The purpose of therapy is to offer moderate mobility to the recovering tendon in order to avoid scarring and tendon separation. After a flexor tendon injury, the physician, hand therapist, and patient work together as a team to get the best possible results.
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