Flexor tendons are tissues that help you control the movement of your hand. They act like a rubber band, bending and contracting. It can be extremely difficult to bend or move your fingers or thumb when you injure a flexor tendon.

Because these tendons are very close to the surface of the skin, most flexor tendon injuries are caused by a deep cut to the hand. When the tendon is cut, it is broken into two pieces, which makes it hard to move your hand.

Flexor tendon injuries are also common in sports like football, wrestling, and rugby. In these sports, the injury is referred to as “jersey finger.” This is because it often occurs when one player is grabbing for the jersey of another player and the finger gets caught and subsequently pulled.

This injury does not heal on its own, and surgery is typically required. There are different surgery methods used based on how the tendon was torn: straight across, at an angle, or pulled off the bone. A specialty-trained hand surgeon will work with you to determine what the best treatment option is for you and your particular case.

If you are experiencing hand pain or think you might have torn a flexor tendon, please request an appointment online with our hand specialist at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists or call (316) 219-8299.