Your hands contain dozens of tendons that help your hand open, close, and perform a myriad of complex functions that in turn help you do all sorts of tasks. It’s not surprising, then, that when a tendon is irritated or inflamed (a condition called tendonitis), you can wind up with a significant amount of dysfunction — not to mention considerable pain.
While many types of tendonitis respond well to conservative treatments, more severe or complex issues often require surgery to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. In this post, Thomas E. Powell, MD, and the team at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine explain how hand surgery can help treat tendon problems and what to expect in the days and weeks following your procedure.
Tendons are strong bands or cords that connect muscles to bone. Some tendons, including many longer tendons in your hands, are contained in special protective sheaths. Normally, tendons move smoothly to help your hands bend and flex. But if a tendon is irritated or inflamed, those movements can be impaired, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Tendonitis can happen following a hand injury, but often, it happens as a result of repetitive movements or overuse injuries. In many cases, rest, splinting, medications, and physical therapy help calm the inflammation and allow the tendon to heal. But when symptoms persist or worsen despite these treatments, surgery may be recommended, instead.
Often, chronic tendonitis leads to scar tissue formation, in turn making smooth movement difficult or impossible. Over time, you can wind up with stiffness, pain, weakness, or a “catching” sensation when you bend or flex your hand or move your fingers. These structural changes require surgery to remove scar tissue, relieve pain, and restore normal hand function.
Surgery may also be recommended if tendonitis is associated with other hand conditions, like nerve compression or tendon tears. Before recommending surgery, Dr. Powell performs a thorough evaluation of your hand and your symptoms, using diagnostic imaging to carefully evaluate internal structures and map out your treatment plan.
It’s tempting to think that because tendons perform similar functions, one surgery can treat any type of tendon issue — but that’s not the case. Surgical approach can depend on lots of factors, including the location of the tendon, the specific functions it performs, and the type and extent of your injury.
Some tendon injuries happen when the sheath around a tendon binds too tightly or when a bump or “nodule” forms on the tendon, preventing the tendon from moving normally. In these cases, Dr. Powell may recommend steroid injections or even surgery to help the tendon glide smoothly again.
When the tendon is damaged or torn, Dr. Powell uses a different type of surgery to “stitch” the tendon back together, to strengthen it with a graft, or to replace it altogether with a functional tendon.
In general, you can expect some discomfort and swelling following tendon surgery, but medication, elevation, and rest can help. After your procedure, we provide complete instructions and followup visits to speed healing and help you feel more comfortable.
Regardless of the type of surgery you have, physical therapy sessions will play a key role in your recovery. Your therapy will be tailored to your needs and goals, helping you heal more quickly while restoring normal hand function and movement.
Remember: Recovery is a gradual process. While it may take time to return to full activity, many patients experience significant relief from pain and improved hand function within a few weeks, with complete recovery taking several weeks to a few months.
If you’re having pain, stiffness, or other unusual symptoms affecting your hands or fingers, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward getting the treatment you need to feel better and prevent long-term complications. To find out how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today.
