Flexor Tendon Injuries: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read
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Article Summary

Tendons join the muscles to the bone and are responsible for the various hand movements. The tendons located on top of the fingers are known as extensor tendons and help to straighten the fingers. On the other hand, tendons located on the palm side are known as flexor tendons and assist in bending the fingers. Any injury in the hand can affect the flexor tendons...

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Definition

join the muscles to the bone and are responsible for the various hand movements. The tendons located on top of the fingers are known as extensor tendons and help to straighten the fingers. On the other hand, tendons located on the palm side are known as flexor tendons and assist in bending the fingers. Any injury in the hand can affect the flexor tendons and make thumb or finger movements difficult.

A flexor injury can cause damage to the nerves in the fingers as well. In serious injuries, the blood vessels also get cut leaving the finger with no blood supply.

Causes

  • Sports injuries while wrestling or playing football
  • Deep cuts on the hands or arms
  • ‘Jersey Finger’, where one player gets hold of other’s jersey and a finger gets pulled

Symptoms

  • Inability to bend the finger
  • A visible injury on the palm
  • Discomfort and while bending the finger
  • Numbing sensation in the fingertip
  • along the palm

  • A thorough physical examination of the patient’s hand may be done by the orthopedic doctor
  • The patient may be asked to make certain finger movements so that the extent of injury can be assessed
  • The patient’s hand may also be tested for sensation
  • The doctor may conduct examination to rule out injuries of the nerves and blood vessels
  • Imaging tests such as X-Rays may provide a clear picture of the injury and damage

Treatment

Generally, a tendon that has been cut will not heal without surgery. However, a partially torn tendon can be repaired with the use of splint or .

Non-surgical treatment

  • Application of ice packs immediately after a cut on the hand may be beneficial
  • Keeping the hand in an elevated position to stop blood flow
  • The doctor may give an injection and administer antibiotics to prevent
  • The injured finger is placed in a splint to protect the hand from further damage before surgery

Surgical treatment

  • Surgery for a flexor tendon injury may be performed within ten days of the injury
  • A dressing and splint may be applied after the surgery
  • The fingers and wrist may be positioned in a bent arrangement to keep tension off the repair
  • Physical therapy may be recommended after surgery to regain normal hand motion
  • Long-term after flexor tendon injuries is common
  • In certain patients, another surgery may have to be performed to treat the scar tissue and help the patient use his hand normally
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A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Flexor Tendon Injuries: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.