Flexor Tendon Injury

Hand and Wrist Flexor Tendon Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. The hand flexor tendons are a group of tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the bones of the fingers and thumb, allowing for flexion or bending of the fingers and thumb towards the palm of the hand. The tendons run from the muscles of the forearm, through the wrist and palm, and attach to the bones of the fingers and thumb. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we are proud to have the best hand and wrist surgeons in Dubai, offering comprehensive care to address these complex injuries.

• Types of Flexor Tendon Injury
• Symptoms & Causes
• Treatment

Types of Flexor Tendon Injury

Some common types of wrist flexor injuries include:

Strains: A strain is a partial tear of a wrist flexor tendon. This can be caused by sudden trauma or overuse.

Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of a wrist flexor tendon. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.

Partial Tears: A partial tear is a more severe injury than a strain, but not a complete rupture. This can be caused by a sudden force or overuse.

Complete Ruptures: A complete rupture is a full tear of a wrist flexor tendon. This can be caused by a sudden trauma, such as a fall or direct impact, or by overuse.

Avulsion Fractures: An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled off along with the tendon. This can be caused by a sudden trauma or overuse.

Symptoms of  Hand and Wrist Flexor Tendon Injury

Injuries to the hand flexor tendons can range from mild strains to complete tears, and can occur due to sudden trauma or repetitive strain. Symptoms of wrist flexor tendon injuries may include:

• Pain and tenderness in the wrist and forearm
• Swelling and inflammation around the wrist and forearm
• Stiffness and limited range of motion in the wrist and fingers
• Weakness and difficulty with gripping or holding objects
• A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury
• A visible deformity or bulge in the affected area

Causes of Hand Wrist Flexor Tendon Injury

Hand flexor tendon injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Trauma: An injury to the hand, such as a cut, crush, or direct blow, can damage the flexor tendons.

Repetitive Strain: Repetitive use of the hand and fingers, such as with typing, playing musical instruments, or using hand tools, can cause small tears in the flexor tendons over time.

Overuse: Overuse of the hand and fingers, such as with excessive gripping or squeezing, can cause inflammation and damage to the flexor tendons.

Aging: As we age, the tendons in our hands can become less flexible and more prone to injury.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can increase the risk of hand flexor tendon injuries.

Corticosteroid Injections: Repeated corticosteroid injections in the hand and wrist can weaken the tendons over time, increasing the risk of injury.

Genetic Factors: Some people may be born with weaker or less flexible tendons, which can increase the risk of injury.

Treatments for Hand and Wrist Flexor Tendon Injury

The treatment options for hand flexor tendon injuries depend on the severity and location of the injury. Some of the most common treatment options are:

Immobilization: Immobilizing the affected hand in a splint or cast can allow the tendon to heal properly. This may be necessary for minor injuries.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide the patient through exercises and stretches that will help to restore the function and strength of the injured tendon.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. This is typically reserved for cases in which the tendon is completely severed or when non-surgical treatments have failed.

Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Rest and Ice: Resting the affected hand and applying ice packs can help to reduce pain and swelling.