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What Is a Flexor Tendon Injury? Answers From Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX

Flexor tendons are strong, flexible tissues that connect the muscles in your hands to the adjacent bones. These tendons, which make it possible for you to bend and straighten your fingers, can potentially become damaged. Even a minor flexor tendon injury can make it difficult for you to move your hand.

What causes flexor tendon injuries?

Several things can cause the flexor tendons to become torn. For one, they are prone to normal wear and tear, and they can become weaker and less flexible over time. Arthritis can also weaken these tendons and make them more susceptible to tearing.

Deep cuts to a hand can also damage the flexor tendons, which are located relatively close to the surface of the skin. While a minor cut is not likely to cause tendon damage, more severe injuries may involve the flexor tendons.

Treating a flexor tendon injury

Minor (partial) tears may heal on their own. However, complete tears are less likely to heal without surgical treatment, as both ends of a tendon must be touching in order for it to heal properly.

At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, we understand that hand surgery can be a significant disruption to your life. We don’t recommend surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. We are committed to providing our patients with the treatments they need to deal with their injuries – including flexor tendon injuries – and get back to their favorite activities as quickly as possible.

Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques during tendon repair surgery, which can often be performed as an outpatient procedure. Our experienced hand injury specialists can evaluate your injury and help you determine if this approach is right for you.

We also offer extensive supportive care, including hand therapy, throughout the recovery process. With time, most patients are able to regain most of their hand strength and function following a flexor tendon injury. We can also make a custom hand splint to protect your hand as it heals, then modify this splint as healing proceeds.

To learn more about our comprehensive approach to flexor tendon injury treatment, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today. We welcome patients from Houston, TX, and all surrounding areas.