Skip to content 
What is a tendon injury?
A tendon injury is a condition in which the tendons that allow movement of the hand are torn or damaged. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones and enable our movements. Tendon injuries in the hand can significantly limit activities of daily living and result in loss of hand function.
What causes tendon injuries?
The most obvious reasons include:
- Cutting tool injuries: Wounds caused by cutting tools such as knives, glass or scissors can lead to tendon severance.
- Crush injuries: For example, if you get stuck in a door or fall on a heavy object, tendons can be crushed or torn.
- Sports injuries: Tendon injuries are particularly common in sports such as ball games and wrestling.
- Repetitive motion: Repetitive motion can lead to tendon wear and tear in some jobs.
What are the symptoms of a tendon injury?
Although the symptoms of tendon injuries vary depending on the severity and location of the injury, the general symptoms are:
- Pain: Severe pain is felt in the injured area. This pain increases especially when you move your hand or apply pressure.
- Swelling: Swelling and bruising occur in the injured area. This swelling may limit the movement of the hand.
- Limitation of movement: There is a limitation of movement of the finger or wrist to which the injured tendon is attached. You may not be able to fully bend or straighten your fingers.
- Weakness: The ability to hold hands or grip is limited. You may find it difficult to hold a heavy object.
- Deformity: In some cases, especially if the tendon is completely torn, finger deformity may occur.
- Sensitivity: Severe sensitivity may be felt when touching the injured area.
- Increase in temperature: A slight increase in temperature may be noticed at the site of injury.
How is a hand tendon injury diagnosed?
Depending on the cause and condition of the hand tendon injury, there are different diagnostic methods and procedures. It is provided as follows;
1. Medical history: Your doctor will get detailed information about how the injury occurred, when it occurred and what symptoms you are experiencing.
2. Physical exam:
- Range of motion: Your doctor will assess the range of motion of your fingers and hand.
- Strength: Tries to measure the grip and grasping strength of your hand.
- Sensitivity: Determines how sensitive the injured area is to touch.
- Deformity: It checks if your fingers are deformed.
3. See evaluations:
- X-ray: It is used to determine if there are any breaks or dislocations in the bones.
- Ultrasound: Provides a more detailed view of tendons and soft tissues. Ultrasound can better assess tendon tears, thickening or swelling.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides a more detailed view of tendons and surrounding tissues. MRI is preferred especially in complex tendon injuries and in cases where other imaging tests cannot provide clarity.
How is a tendon injury treated?
Treatment of tendon injuries varies depending on the severity and location of the injury. Surgery is often required.
- Surgical treatment:
o Tendon repairs: Severed or torn tendon ends are repaired using microsurgical techniques.
o Tendon transfers: This is a procedure performed to replace the function of the damaged tendon with another tendon.
o Tendon grafting: In severe tendon deficiencies, the deficiency is compensated by using tendon tissue from another part of the body.
- After surgery:
o Splint or cast: To ensure that the hand remains immobile after surgery, a splint or cast is applied.
o Physical therapy: A physical therapy program is designed to restore mobility and increase muscle strength.
Healing process of a tendon injury
Healing of tendons is a very long process that requires patience. Recovery time varies depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the age of the patient and the general health. Points to consider include:
- Early diagnosis and treatment: The earlier tendon injuries are diagnosed and treated, the more successful the recovery.
- Adherence to physical therapy: Regular attendance to the physical therapy program is very important to speed up the recovery process.
- Patience: The tendon may take a long time to heal. It is important to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions.
People with tendon injuries in the hand may need to make some changes in their daily activities. These changes can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
