Overview

Causes

This injury is often caused by a cut to the finger, hand, or arm. Other causes are:

  • A sports injury:
    • Stretching the tendon too far in sports that use hand strength, such as rock climbing
    • Catching the finger on another player’s shirt (Jersey finger)
  • Weak flexor tendons from health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your chance of this injury are:

  • Playing certain sports, such as:
    • Rugby
    • Football
    • Wrestling
  • Having health problems that weaken flexor tendons, such as rheumatoid arthritis

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • A cut on the palm side of your hand
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Problems bending one or more joints of a finger
  • Loss of feeling in a finger

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will ask how the injury happened. The finger will be checked. A doctor who treats bones may need to look at it.

Treatments

Treatment

A splint will be needed to protect the finger. Other options are:

Medications

Antibiotics may be needed to treat or prevent infection.

Surgery

Most people will need surgery to repair the tendon. Exercises will also be given to help with finger strength and motion.

Prevention

This injury happens due to accidents. There are no guidelines to prevent it.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.