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Finger Flexor Tendon Injury

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Finger Flexor Tendon Injury

(Jersey Finger)

Definition

A finger flexor tendon injury is damage to the tissues that help the finger move. It can make it hard to bend the finger.

Healthy Flexor Tendons of the Hand.

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Causes

This injury is often caused by a cut to the finger, hand, or arm. Other causes are:

  • A sports injury:
    • Stretching the tendon too far in sports that use hand strength, such as rock climbing
    • Catching the finger on another player’s shirt (Jersey finger)
  • Weak flexor tendons from health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your chance of this injury are:

  • Playing certain sports, such as:
    • Rugby
    • Football
    • Wrestling
  • Having health problems that weaken flexor tendons, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • A cut on the palm side of your hand
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Problems bending one or more joints of a finger
  • Loss of feeling in a finger

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will ask how the injury happened. The finger will be checked. A doctor who treats bones may need to look at it.

Treatment

A splint will be needed to protect the finger. Other options are:

Prevention

This injury happens due to accidents. There are no guidelines to prevent it.

Medications

Antibiotics may be needed to treat or prevent infection.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Flexor tendon injuries. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/Flexor-Tendon. Published 2013.
  • Flexor tendon injuries. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00015.
  • Jersey finger—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/jersey-finger-emergency-management.
  • Tuttle HG, Olvey SP, et al. Tendon avulsion injuries of the distal phalanx. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006 Apr;445:157-168.

Contributors

  • Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.