Understanding Hand Tendon Injuries and Tendonitis
Our hands are essential for nearly everything we do—gripping, typing, cooking, even communicating. So, when something goes wrong with the tendons in our hands, it can seriously impact daily life. Let’s explore what hand tendon injuries and tendonitis are, how they happen, and what you can do to treat and prevent them.
Tendons in the Hand: A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Your hand contains two main sets of tendons:
1) Flexor tendons are located on the palm side. They allow you to bend your fingers and
thumb—think of making a fist or picking something up.
2) Extensor tendons are found on the back of the hand. These help you straighten your fingers
and let go of objects.
These tendons work together like tiny pulleys and levers to give your hands their incredible range of motion.
Common Hand Tendon Injuries
Several conditions can affect the tendons in your hand. Here are some of the most common:
- Mallet finger – When the fingertip droops and can’t be straightened due to a torn tendon.
- Jersey finger – A torn flexor tendon, often from gripping during sports.
- Boutonniere deformity – The middle joint of the finger bends and won’t straighten.
- Tendon lacerations – Caused by sharp objects cutting through the skin and into the tendon.
- Trigger finger – A finger gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – Inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Flexor/Extensor Tenosynovitis – Inflammation in the tendons on the palm or back of the wrist.
- Arthritis & Haglund’s deformity – Structural conditions that can also involve tendon stress.
Hand tendon injuries can occur either suddenly or gradually due to overuse, often resulting from sharp cuts, heavy machinery accidents, falls, or forceful impacts such as jamming a finger. Repetitive hand movements—from typing, hairstyling, or tool use—can also strain tendons over time, particularly when combined with poor ergonomics or prolonged, unbalanced loading. Symptoms typically include pain during movement, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or an inability to fully bend or straighten the fingers or thumb. Clicking sensations or pain radiating towards the elbow may indicate inflammation spreading along the tendon sheath, making early recognition and treatment essential to prevent long-term complications.
Several factors can increase susceptibility to tendon problems, including repetitive or high-impact activities, age-related loss of flexibility, and underlying conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. Smoking and infections can further delay healing. Without timely intervention, tendonitis can progress to tendon rupture, joint damage, or lasting loss of hand function. Effective management involves rest, immobilisation, and parafin wax heat therapy, followed by targeted rehabilitation to restore movement and strength. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication or limited corticosteroid injections may be recommended to control persistent inflammation and support recovery.
Self-help Exercises
As the pain subsides, gentle exercises are introduced to regain flexibility, strength, and coordination:
- Finger and thumb opposition: Touch each fingertip to the thumb one by one. This improves precision and mobility.
- Hand towel flexion: Place a towel on a table and scrunch it using just your fingers.
- Tennis ball roll: Roll a tennis ball under your palm as if simulating mouse usage—great for desk workers.
- Typing practice: Helps reintroduce fine motor control gradually.
- Grip strengthening: Using therapy putty or a soft ball to gently squeeze and release.
Long-Term Recovery Tips
- Modify tasks to avoid repetitive stress. Consider ergonomic adjustments at your workstation.
- Pace yourself during recovery—don’t rush heavy lifting or intense hand use.
- Stay consistent with exercises, even after pain improves, to maintain strength and flexibility.
- Follow-up appointments help track healing and adjust treatment as needed.
Final Thoughts
Your hands are powerful, delicate tools—take care of them. Whether you’re an athlete, a hairdresser, or someone who types all day, being mindful of how you use your hands can prevent painful tendon injuries. And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Early treatment makes a world of difference.
Come and see us at Shawe Physio for a more detailed individual assessment and advice on how to help with your hand pain or reduced function.
Please contact us at 01992 451849 or via email @ reception@shawephysio.com