Flexor Tendon Injuries Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
What is a Flexor Tendon Injury?
The flexor tendons are located in the forearm, hand, and fingers. These tendons are important because they control hand movement, specifically finger and thumb bending. Flexor tendon injuries may make it impossible to use the hand properly. Patients who experience flexor tendon injury symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
What Causes a Flexor Tendon Injury?
Flexor tendon injuries often occur as a result of a laceration or cut to the palm side of your fingers, wrist, hand, or forearm. Even a small cut can cause significant tendon damage depending on the location of the wound. Flexor tendon injuries can also occur when the tendon end is forcefully pulled away from the bone, causing the tendon to rupture. This can also occur from wear to the tendon over time, especially if you suffer from arthritis. If there is loss of motion in part of your arm, a flexor tendon injury may be the cause, even if there hasn’t been a recent traumatic event.
What are the Symptoms of a Flexor Tendon Injury?
Depending on the severity of the injury, there are many symptoms of flexor tendon injury. Some of these include:
- Finger-tip numbness
- Inability to move one or more fingers
- Pain when bending your fingers
- Tenderness along the palm side of your fingers
While these symptoms may indicate a flexor tendon injury, it is important to see an orthopedic specialist for diagnosis. Our orthopedic urgent walk-in care clinics are available for flexor tendon injury repair and diagnosis in South Carolina.
How do I Know if I Have a Flexor Tendon Injury?
A consultation with an orthopedic specialist is required to diagnose a flexor tendon injury. A CONA specialist obtains an injury report and medical history, including current symptoms. They will ask you to bend and straighten your fingers and test your finger strength. Blood flow and nerve function will be tested to determine the severity of the injury. After this, the injury is diagnosed, and an appropriate treatment plan is prescribed.
How are Flexor Tendon Injuries Treated?
Nonsurgical treatment options treat some flexor tendon injuries. Some flexor tendon injuries heal when the arm is immobilized in a cast or splint. Physical therapy restores flexor tendon strength, flexibility, and function after immobilization. Many flexor tendon injuries won’t heal on their own. If a flexor tendon laceration occurs, one of our orthopedic doctors will clean and close the wound. Sometimes, a splint may be used to stabilize the injured area. A flexor tendon orthopedic surgeon will perform surgery to repair the cut or torn tendon as soon as possible. The arm is then placed in a specially-made splint for immobilization and protection. Physical or occupational therapy begins after the tendons heal. This is essential for a full recovery.
How Long is the Recovery Time For Flexor Tendon Surgery?
Full recovery from flexor tendon surgery takes 3 to 4 months. You will usually wear a protective splint for the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery except when doing exercises prescribed by your orthopedic doctor or therapist. These exercises are important to regain the motion and function of the hand. Contact us to learn more.