How to Recognize Flexor Tendon Injuries
Tendons connect your muscles to your bones. The flexor muscles can be found above the wrist and they are attached to all of the small bones in your fingers. If these muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones. This is how you manage to pick up a rock or turn the pages of a book. Similar to rubber bands, these tendons are stretched firmly and it is therefore easy to sustain a tear.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Note whether you've been performing any activities that are likely to result in such a tear. Flexor tendons are often partially or completely torn during sports. for instance. Football and wrestling are common sports that lead to flexor tendon injuries.
-
2
Check whether you are able to bend your finger. If you discover that you are unable to do so, you may have torn a flexor tendon.
-
-
3
Check whether you have a laceration on your palm. Tendons can be torn in a laceration on your palm, because they are close to the skin surface.
-
4
Note whether you have pain in the area. You may have pain when you try to bend your finger. The area will be very tender when you attempt to touch it or to do tasks.
-
5
Check for inflammation: Inflammation will occur at the sight of the injury.
-
6
Notice whether you have any stiffness. You may not be able to fully bend or to extend your finger. This stiffness may be irreversible. Some patients will need surgery to lessen the amount of stiffness in their finger.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you leave a partial tendon injury untreated, it may completely rupture days later.
If surgery is delayed, the healing process takes longer.
If you suspect a flexor tendon injury, seek medical care, to avoid a lifelong deformity or chronic pain.
