Flexor Tendon Injuries

Flexor tendon injuries refer to damage to the tendons that allow your fingers to bend and grip objects. These tendons run from the forearm muscles through the wrist and into the fingers. When a flexor tendon is torn or cut, you may lose the ability to bend one or more of your fingers. Flexor tendon injuries are often caused by trauma, such as cuts or sports injuries, and they can be treated through flexor tendon physical therapy.

What are Flexor Tendon Injuries?

Flexor tendon injuries occur when the tendons responsible for bending the fingers are damaged or torn. These injuries can range from partial tears to complete ruptures. Flexor tendons are crucial for hand function, allowing you to grip objects, type, write, and perform various daily activities. When injured, they can significantly impact your hand’s functionality and quality of life.

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Common Flexor Tendon Injury Causes

Flexor tendon injuries typically occur due to:

  • Lacerations or Cuts: A deep cut to the hand or wrist can sever the flexor tendons, leading to a loss of finger function.
  • Sports Injuries: Activities involving sudden force or strain, such as rock climbing or football, can cause tendons to rupture.
  • Accidents: Falls, crush injuries, or other types of trauma can damage tendons.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: In some cases, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken the tendons, making them more prone to injury.

Common Treatment Options

Injury Screenings
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Online Physical Therapy
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Specialty Therapies
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Auto and Personal Injury
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Manual Therapy
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Pediatric Physical Therapy
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Sports Medicine
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Flexor Tendon Injury Symptoms

Symptoms of a flexor tendon injury typically appear immediately after the injury occurs. Common flexor tendon injury symptoms include:

  • Inability to bend one or more fingers.
  • Pain and tenderness along the palm or fingers.
  • Swelling in the affected area.
  • An open wound, particularly if caused by a laceration.
  • A “popping” or snapping sensation at the time of the injury.

Flexor Tendon FAQ

Dealing with a flexor tendon injury can be challenging and raises many questions about recovery, treatment options, and long-term outcomes. To address common concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about flexor tendon injuries. These cover topics such as risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and expected recovery timelines.

Certain factors may increase the risk of a flexor tendon injury, including:

  • Participation in Contact Sports: Athletes in high-impact sports like football, rugby, or wrestling are more likely to experience hand injuries.
  • Jobs with Frequent Hand Use: Workers who use their hands intensively, such as mechanics, construction workers, or chefs, may be more prone to tendon injuries.
  • Previous Hand Injuries: If you’ve previously injured your hand, the tendons may be weakened, increasing the risk of re-injury.
  • Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken tendons over time.

While not all injuries can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of flexor tendon injuries. Some flexor tendon injury prevention tips include:

  • Wearing Protective Gear: Use gloves or other protective equipment when participating in high-risk sports or jobs that require frequent hand use.
  • Strengthening Hand Muscles: Regular hand exercises can improve muscle strength and support tendon health.
  • Avoiding Repetitive Strain: Take breaks when performing repetitive tasks to avoid overworking your tendons.
  • Treating Underlying Conditions: Managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent tendon weakness and injury.

Common flexor tendon injury treatment options include:

  • Therapeutic exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen the hand and improve finger mobility.
  • Splinting or bracing: Immobilizing the hand to allow the tendon to heal properly.
  • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve flexibility in the hand.
  • Education on injury prevention: Guidance on how to avoid re-injury and protect the tendons during recovery.

The healing time for a flexor tendon injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. Generally:

  • Minor injuries may heal within 4-6 weeks with proper care and therapy.
  • More severe injuries or those requiring surgery may take 3-4 months for initial healing.
  • Full recovery and return to normal activities can take up to 6 months or longer.
  • Consistent adherence to the rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal recovery.

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Physical Therapy for Flexor Tendon Injuries at ATI

At ATI Physical Therapy, we offer treatment for flexor tendon injuries. Whether you’re recovering from a recent injury or managing the effects of a chronic condition, our team is dedicated to helping you regain hand function and improve your quality of life. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today.

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