Flexor Tendon Injuries

Flexor tendon injuries can affect your ability to bend your fingers or grip objects, making everyday tasks challenging. The Austin Sports Medicine surgeons have the expertise and experience to treat these injuries that often result from sports accidents, cuts, or sudden trauma to the hand. If you have a flexor tendon injury, book an appointment at the Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, or Pflugerville, Texas, offices. Call or click online to schedule now.

What are flexor tendon injuries?

Flexor tendon injuries occur when you tear, cut, or damage the tendons that help you bend your fingers or thumb. These tendons run from the muscles in your forearm through your wrist and fingers. They’re essential for everyday hand movements like gripping, holding, and typing. 

Because the tendons are located just under the skin on the palm side of your hand and fingers, they can be easily injured, especially by deep cuts or trauma.

What are the symptoms of flexor tendon injuries?

The main symptom of a flexor tendon injury is the inability to bend one or more joints in your finger or thumb. You might also notice:

• Pain when trying to move the affected finger
• Swelling
• Tenderness along the finger or palm
• Visible cut or wound if the tendon was severed

The injured finger may also feel numb or weak, and you may notice a popping or snapping sensation at the time of the injury.

What causes flexor tendon injuries?

Flexor tendon injuries are most commonly caused by deep cuts to the hand or fingers, such as those from knives, broken glass, or machinery. They can also happen due to sports injuries, especially in activities that involve grabbing, like football or wrestling. 

Occasionally, flexor tendons may rupture without an open wound due to sudden forceful trauma, like trying to stop a fall with your hand or catching something heavy. Certain health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, can also weaken tendons, increasing the risk of rupture.

How are flexor tendon injuries treated?

At Austin Sports Medicine, the type of treatment for a flexor tendon injury depends on the severity. However, most complete tears require surgical repair. 

During surgery, your surgeon stitches the tendon and protects it to allow healing. 

After surgery, you need physical therapy to help restore movement and prevent stiffness or scarring that can limit function. You might not need surgery if you have a partial tear that doesn’t fully sever the tendon. In this case, your doctor might recommend splints and guided exercises. 

Recovery can take several weeks to months. Follow your therapy instructions closely to regain full use of your hand. Prompt medical attention improves outcomes significantly.

If you have a flexor tendon injury, book an appointment today by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool.