What to do if you cut a tendon in your finger?

If the tendon is completely cut, you will need surgery to repair it. The surgery is usually done within 7 to 10 days. The doctor may close the wound with stitches, bandage it, and put your hand or finger in a splint until then. If the tendon is partially cut, your doctor may let it heal without surgery.

How do you know if you cut a tendon in your finger?

Signs and symptoms of a cut tendon

1. An inability to bend one or more joints of the finger.
2. Pain when you bend your finger.
3. An open injury, such as a cut, on the palm side of the hand, particularly in the joint area where the skin folds as the finger bends.
4. Mild swelling over the joint closest to your fingertip.

Can a cut tendon in finger be repaired?

Tendon repair may involve a surgeon making a cut (incision) in your wrist, hand or finger so they can locate the ends of the divided tendon and stitch them together. Extensor tendons are easier to reach, so repairing them is relatively straightforward. Read more about how hand tendon repair is performed.

How long does it take for a cut tendon to heal in finger?

The repaired tendon will usually be back to full strength after about 12 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months to regain the full range of movement. Some people may never be able to move the affected finger or thumb as much as before it was damaged.

Do tendons grow back?

In some cases, where the tendon ends have not moved that far, they can grow back together if your injured body part is immobilized for several weeks. In both instances you’ll have to follow a progressive rehab program to regain your full strength.

Can finger tendons heal without surgery?

If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend one or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and inflammation (swelling) in your hand. In some cases, damage to the extensor tendons can be treated without the need for surgery, using a rigid support called a splint that’s worn around the hand.

What happens if you don’t repair torn tendons?

If left untreated, eventually it can result in other foot and leg problems, such as inflammation and pain in the ligaments in the soles of your foot (plantar faciitis), tendinitis in other parts of your foot, shin splints, pain in your ankles, knees and hips and, in severe cases, arthritis in your foot.

What happens if a cut tendon goes untreated?

If left untreated, loss of strength, mobility and function can occur along with the potential to develop a permanent deformity.

Do tendons heal if cut?

Tendons cannot heal unless the ends are touching, which does not occur with a complete tear. In most cases, a cut or torn tendon must be repaired by a doctor. This requires surgery.

Is tendon release surgery painful?

The surgery opens the tissue over the swollen part of the tendon. This allows the tendon to move freely without pain. Your wrist and thumb will be sore and swollen at first. You may feel numbness or tingling near the incision.

Do cut tendons hurt?

When a tendon is cut, it acts like a rubber band, and its cut ends pull away from each other. A tendon that has not been cut completely through may still allow the fingers to bend, but can cause pain or catching, and may eventually tear all the way through.

How painful is a torn tendon?

Tendon Tear Symptoms Severe and excruciating pain. Immediate bruising. Pain and discomfort that worsens with tendon use. A “crunchy” sound or feeling (crepitus) with tendon use.

What happens if you cut the tendons in your hand?

The tendons in the palm of your hand are called flexors. If a flexor is cut, you may not be able to bend your fingers. The tendons that run over your knuckles and down the back of your hand are called extensors. If an extensor is cut, you might not be able to straighten the fingers. Your doctor has examined your hand.

Can a cut on the back of your hand affect your fingers?

Tendon function can be affected by even a slight cut on the back of the hand (extensor tendons) or the palm (flexor tendons). An injured tendon can cause problems bending or straightening the fingers, depending on which tendon is affected.

What happens if you tear a tendon in your forearm?

Tendon Injuries. Tendons link muscles in the forearm to the bones in the fingers. This gives fingers the ability to bend or straighten. Finger motion can be limited if the tendons become damaged. In the case of serious tendon injuries, surgery may be necessary to repair functionality.

What happens if you cut your flexor and extensor?

If a flexor is cut, you may not be able to bend your fingers. The tendons that run over your knuckles and down the back of your hand are called extensors. If an extensor is cut, you might not be able to straighten the fingers. Your doctor has examined your hand.