Flexor tendons are essential for bending your fingers and thumb, allowing you to grip, hold and perform everyday tasks. When these tendons are injured, movement can be limited or completely lost, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
What Are Flexor Tendons?
Flexor tendons are cord-like structures that connect muscles in the forearm to the bones in your fingers and thumb. When the muscles contract, they pull on the tendons, allowing your fingers to bend and make a fist. Flexor tendons run from your forearm, through the wrist and hand, all the way to the fingertips.
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Causes of Flexor Tendon Injuries
Flexor tendon injuries usually occur due to trauma or repetitive strain. Common causes include:
- Sports-related injuries: Football, wrestling, rugby or other contact sports
- Deep cuts or lacerations: From knives, glass or power tools
- Health conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or chronic tendon wear
Even small lacerations can significantly affect tendon function if they occur in critical areas of the hand. Tendons can also rupture without a cut, either from wear, forceful pulling or tendon-muscle separation.
Flexor Tendon Injury Symptoms
You may have a flexor tendon injury if you notice:
- An open injury such as a cut
- Inability to bend one or more joints of your finger or thumb
- Pain when bending the finger
- Tenderness along the finger on the palm side of your hand
- Numbness or tingling in the fingertip
In injuries caused by laceration, additional symptoms may include significant bleeding and nerve involvement, leading to numbness or tingling in the hand.
Flexor Tendon Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Splints: May be used temporarily to protect the finger or hand
- Minor injuries without complete tendon rupture may sometimes heal with careful immobilization and monitoring
Surgical Treatment
- Most flexor tendon injuries, especially cuts or complete ruptures, require surgery to reattach the tendon
- Surgery often includes repair of associated structures, such as nerves or blood vessels
- Postoperative splinting and hand therapy are critical to protect the tendon and restore movement
Flexor Tendon Injury Recovery
Recovery from a flexor tendon injury can take months and requires commitment to hand therapy.
- Hand therapy: Exercises and guided movement are important to regain strength, flexibility and function
- Risks: Scarring and stiffness are common; additional surgery may sometimes be needed to improve motion
- Outcomes: Many patients regain good function after repair, though recovery varies depending on injury severity, timing of treatment and adherence to therapy
Flexor tendon injuries do not heal on their own, and early intervention greatly improves the likelihood of regaining full hand function. If you suspect a tendon injury, seek medical attention promptly.
Flexor Tendon Injury Treatment at OrthoNebraska
Recovering from an injured flexor tendon in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve your quality of life.
