Finger Flexor Tendon Injury
Overview
Causes
This injury is often caused by a cut to the finger, hand, or arm. Other causes are:
-
A sports injury:
- Stretching the tendon too far in sports that use hand strength, such as rock climbing
- Catching the finger on another player’s shirt (Jersey finger)
- Weak flexor tendons from health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- A cut on the palm side of your hand
- Pain
- Swelling
- Problems bending one or more joints of a finger
- Loss of feeling in a finger
Treatments
Treatment
A splint will be needed to protect the finger. Other options are:
Medications
Antibiotics may be needed to treat or prevent infection.
Surgery
Most people will need surgery to repair the tendon. Exercises will also be given to help with finger strength and motion.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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