Tendon Injuries of the Hand and Wrist
Tendons, the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of the hand and wrist. If tendons in the hand and wrist become injured, this can limit movement, cause severe pain, and significantly impact daily activities. Treatment can repair the damaged tendon and help to restore normal function of the hand and wrist.
Types of Tendon Injuries
Dr. Fort specializes in treating a wide range of hand and wrist tendon injuries, including:
- Tendonitis: Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motions. Tendonitis in the hand and wrist causes pain and swelling, and it may be difficult to grip objects or perform activities that involve repetitive hand movements like typing or playing the piano. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Trigger Finger: Trigger finger occurs when tendons in the fingers or thumb become inflamed, causing the finger (or thumb) to lock or catch when bent. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the finger. Conservative treatments include splinting, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy; surgery may be required in severe cases to release the tendon.
- Tendon Ruptures: A tendon rupture occurs when a tendon tears or breaks. Causes of a tendon rupture include overuse, traumatic injury, or a sudden forceful movement. Tendon ruptures in the hand and wrist may lead to severe pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Surgical repair is often required to reattach the torn tendon and restore function.
- Tendon Lacerations: Tendon lacerations are cuts or tears to the tendons caused by sharp injuries. Lacerations may cause significant pain and can make it impossible to move the affected finger or hand. Such injuries usually require surgical repair to restore movement and prevent long-term complications.
Treatments
Treatment for tendon injuries in the hand and wrist depends on the type of injury and its severity. Early intervention is critical for a full recovery and to prevent further damage.
- Rest and Immobilization: For mild cases of tendonitis or trigger finger, rest and immobilization may help reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from worsening. Wearing a splint or brace can keep the affected area still while the tendons heal.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with tendon injuries. For more severe injuries, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
- Surgery: Surgical intervention is often required for tendon ruptures, severe cases of trigger finger, and tendon lacerations. Surgery involves repairing the damaged tendon, restoring normal movement, and preventing further complications. Post-surgical rehabilitation is important to ensure a full recovery.
- Physical Therapy: After the initial treatment or surgery, physical therapy is often needed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the hand and wrist. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help speed recovery and prevent future tendon injuries.