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Tendon Injuries Specialist

Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics Our Services Tendon Injuries

Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Sarasota, FL

Your hands have a network of tendons that flex and straighten your fingers, enable the thumb’s range of motion, and support wrist movement. Even a mild tendon injury can have a big impact on hand function, which is why it’s important to seek early care at Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics in Sarasota, Florida. Brian Schofield, MD, and John Hand, MD, have extensive experience treating tendon injuries, along with the nerve damage that often occurs at the same time. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

Tendon Injuries Q&A

What are the most common tendon injuries in the hand?

Of all the possible tendon injuries in your hand, three of the most common include flexor tendon injuries, trigger finger, and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Flexor tendon injuries

Flexor tendon injuries are often the result of a cut on your palm or forearm. These tendons may also tear when inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis weaken the tissues.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger develops when a flexor tendon becomes swollen or develops a knot, typically due to repetitive movement or rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, the tendon can’t move smoothly, making the affected finger lock or catch when you try to bend and straighten it.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

This overuse injury affects the tendons that move your thumb. The tendons travel through a tunnel in your wrist. If soft tissues in the tunnel become inflamed or thickened, they press against the tendon.

Is nerve damage associated with tendon injuries?

The tendons in your arm, wrist, and hand run alongside the nerves carrying messages between your hands and brain. As a result, it’s common to sustain a nerve injury when tendons are swollen or damaged.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of a nerve injury. This condition occurs when the median nerve is pinched by swollen tendons as it travels through a tunnel in your wrist.

The nerves in your hands originate in the brachial plexus, a network of nerves near your shoulders. A brachial plexus injury can have a significant impact on your ability to move your arm, hand, and fingers.

What symptoms are caused by tendon injuries in my hand?

The symptoms depend on the location, type, and severity of your tendon injury. 

You may experience problems such as:

  • Inability to bend your finger or thumb
  • Tender lump at the base of your finger or thumb
  • Pain when bending or straightening your finger
  • Pain traveling up your forearm
  • Pain when grasping objects or twisting your wrist
  • Catching or snapping sensation when moving a finger or thumb

When nerves are injured, you can expect to have symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain.

How are tendon injuries treated?

After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, and taking X-rays or other diagnostic tests as needed, your provider develops a customized treatment plan. 

Your treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Rest
  • Avoiding painful activities
  • Stretching exercise
  • Splinting or bracing
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Steroid injections
  • Nerve decompression
  • Hand therapy
  • Ergonomic training
  • Surgery

Though surgery is usually the last resort, you may need surgery as the first treatment if your tendon is cut or torn. 

To get help with tendon or nerve injuries in your hands, call Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment online.

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