Flexor Tendon Injury

Orthopedic Treatments for Flexor Tendon Injuries in Central, IN 

Your flexor tendons are responsible for the movement in your forearm, wrist, and hand, all of which are essential in performing daily activities. This pain is not only frustrating but can lead to further damage in your muscles and joints. Whether an injury or repetitive strain is causing pain in your forearm or wrist, our team of experts can provide the pain treatment you need to continue your daily life comfortably.  

What is a Flexor Tendon Injury? 

Movement in the hand and fingers is controlled by a system of muscles and tendons located in the forearm, wrist and hand. Tendons connect muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts or tightens, it powers the tendons to move our bones. The ability to bend our fingers to make a fist is controlled by flexor tendons.  

What Causes a Flexor Tendon Injury? 

A flexor tendon injury most commonly occurs from lacerations. A laceration (cut) to the forearm, hand or wrist can result in injury to the flexor tendons. When a flexor tendon injury occurs, there may be an inability to bend the fingers, thumb or wrist. Even small lacerations can lead to significant problems if the cut is in an important location. Not all tendon injuries are due to lacerations. In some cases, a flexor tendon injury can occur if the tendon pulls away from the bone, if the tendon ruptures due to wear, or if the tendon-muscle interface separates. In the hand, wrist, and forearm, lacerations are the most common cause of flexor tendon injury. However, if you lose motion in part of your arm, even without a laceration, tendon injury should be considered a possible cause.  

“Injuries to the flexor tendons are commonly caused by everyday activities. I often hear that patients were reaching into a dishwasher or a pot in the sink that happens to have a kitchen knife in it. Cutting bagels, separating frozen foods and removing the pit from an avocado are other ways a flexor tendon can be injured. We also see the avulsion-type injuries in athletes. The classic description is a finger being caught on a jersey while playing football or other sports,” says Dr. Toni Lin, an orthopedic surgeon at Forté Sports Medicine who specializes in conditions related to tendons, nerves, fractures, arthritis, Dupuytren’s disease and other aspects of the hands and wrists.

What are the Signs and Symptoms? 

If a tendon is completely ruptured or lacerated, you will not be able to bend part of your arm or hand. This lack of movement can involve a small area in your hand, or it can limit your ability to move multiple joints in the arm. The level of impairment depends on where the injury is located. The flexor tendons in the arm, wrist and hand are in very close proximity to nerves and arteries. It is not unusual to have numbness, tingling, and bleeding after a tendon is lacerated. This is because there can be an injury to other vital structures as well. These additional injuries are less common in a flexor tendon injury that is not caused by a laceration. For any laceration, it is smart to see a physician as soon as possible, especially if you notice any change in the function of the arm.  

What Does Treatment Look Like? 

If you are worried about a flexor tendon injury, please see a hand surgeon right away. It is often easier to treat these injuries early. Flexor tendon injuries do not heal on their own and frequently require surgery to put the injured tendon back to its original position. When surgery is required, a splint and hand therapy may be used after the procedure to aid in recovery. Typically, any additional injured structures are repaired at the same time as the tendon.  

“This is one of a handful of conditions for which we really recommend evaluation within 1-2 business days to expedite evaluation and treatment. When flexor tendons have been cut, the end closer to the forearm can retract, or be pulled apart from the other cut end, which makes repair more difficult. Additionally, flexor tendon lacerations in the fingers are often accompanied by nerve injuries, and we also want to treat these very quickly,” Dr. Lin states.

Recovery 

Tendon injuries can result in scarring and stiffness after the surgery. It is not unusual to need additional surgery to improve movement. Typically, hand therapy is started after the procedure to aid your recovery. It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions to avoid re-injury. Many have good outcomes after a tendon repair, but this is not true in every case. In most cases, recovery may take months to complete.   

Schedule a Consultation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today   

If you are experiencing hand pain or the inability to bend your wrist or hand, look to our team for assistance. We have convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton to serve you. Following a consultation, our hand experts will tailor a treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcome. Contact us today to get started.