a close-up of hands holding a baby's hand

Hand and Wrist Tendon Injuries Specialist in Lexington, KY 

Hand and wrist tendon injuries occur when the tendons in these areas are damaged due to overuse, trauma, or sudden impact. Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement and flexibility. In the hand and wrist, tendons are crucial in fine motor skills, allowing precise movements such as gripping, pinching, and typing. Injuries to these tendons can significantly affect daily tasks and reduce the overall function of the hand and wrist.

Tendon injuries can range from mild inflammation or tendinitis to complete tendon ruptures where the tendon is torn. Common types of tendon injuries in the hand and wrist include mallet finger, trigger finger, flexor tendon injuries, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis. If not treated promptly, each of these conditions can cause pain, limited movement, and, in some cases, long-term disability.

a close-up of a person's hands

What Are the Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Tendon Injuries?

The symptoms of a tendon injury in the hand or wrist vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. One of the most common symptoms is pain, which can be sharp or dull and may worsen with movement or activity. For example, individuals with tendinitis often experience pain and tenderness over the affected tendon, especially after repetitive motions such as gripping or typing.

Swelling and stiffness in the affected area are also joint, particularly in the early stages of the injury. You may notice that your hand or wrist feels stiff in the morning or after periods of inactivity, but the stiffness improves with gentle movement. In cases of more severe injuries, such as a tendon rupture, you may experience an inability to move the affected finger or wrist normally. For example, a ruptured flexor tendon may make it impossible to bend the finger.

Another symptom of a tendon injury is weakness in the hand or wrist. You may find it difficult to grip objects or perform tasks that require strength. In some cases, there may be a visible deformity or bulging of the tendon beneath the skin, especially in more severe injuries. If the injury is left untreated, it may lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain, reduced range of motion, or even permanent disability.

What Causes Hand and Wrist Tendon Injuries?

Tendon injuries in the hand and wrist are often caused by repetitive strain, overuse, or sudden trauma. Activities involving repetitive motions, such as typing, lifting, or gripping, can strain the tendons, leading to inflammation and tendonitis. Athletes, particularly those who participate in sports that require strong hand or wrist movements, such as tennis or rock climbing, are at a higher risk of developing tendon injuries.

Trauma, such as a fall or direct blow to the hand or wrist, can also result in a tendon injury. The tendon may be overstretched or torn, leading to a rupture. Additionally, individuals with certain underlying health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more prone to tendon damage due to the inflammation and weakening of the tissues.

In some cases, tendon injuries may develop gradually over time due to the accumulation of microtears from overuse. These injuries often start with mild discomfort and progress to more severe symptoms if not addressed early.

How Are Hand and Wrist Tendon Injuries Treated?

Treatment for hand and wrist tendon injuries varies based on severity. Mild cases may require rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Severe injuries, like tendon ruptures, may need surgery to repair or graft the tendon, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility in the hand or wrist.

Expert Hand and Wrist Tendon Care at Bluegrass Orthopaedics

Bluegrass Orthopaedics specializes in diagnosing and treating hand and wrist tendon injuries. Whether you need nonsurgical or surgical treatment, our team is committed to helping you recover and return to normal activities as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get expert care for your tendon injury.

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Doctor Huff and the staff at BGO was able to get me in for surgery pretty quick for a detached quad tendon. He was very assuring about the procedure and the outcome of the surgery. He listened to my concerns and I felt he put me first.... Doctor Huff and the staff at BGO was able to get me in for surgery pretty quick for a detached quad tendon. He was very assuring about the procedure and the outcome of the surgery. He listened to my concerns and I felt he put me first. Great bedside manners. Thank you Dr. Huff and staff at BGO.

Brian Dow

Did a great job on my knee replacement, my scarr looks great too. What i really loved was he goes the extra mile if needed in certain situations as i needed with physical therapy.

Sharon m

dr. Denehy listens to what you have to say and ask he has a great bed side manner .

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Dr Vasicek sees me as a whole person, not a collection of ailments. She listens and explains things well. She is proactive in addressing my needs, and will recommend various steps I can take versus just mentioning one option per visit.... Dr Vasicek sees me as a whole person, not a collection of ailments. She listens and explains things well. She is proactive in addressing my needs, and will recommend various steps I can take versus just mentioning one option per visit. I am very thankful for her expertise and help

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Six months out after surgery and couldn't be better! Wonderful, amazing and so thankful! Great job guys!

Jody Spradlin

Dr. Donegan was extremely professional and very friendly. He was very complete in his examination/evaluation and explained his findings and treatment options at a level that was easily understandable. He made me feel comfortable and was... Dr. Donegan was extremely professional and very friendly. He was very complete in his examination/evaluation and explained his findings and treatment options at a level that was easily understandable. He made me feel comfortable and was very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him.

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Dr. Donegan diagnosed a rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. He carefully explained my options for dealing with this injury. He even showed me a film of how this injury can be surgically repaired. Today I worked with a member of his... Dr. Donegan diagnosed a rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. He carefully explained my options for dealing with this injury. He even showed me a film of how this injury can be surgically repaired. Today I worked with a member of his staff to schedule my surgery.

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Dr. Hunt is amazing. He was the 1 doctor after 3 others that found the problem in my shoulder. I can’t thank him enough. Septic arthritis is so painful and dangerous. Thank you for his well trained team for all that you did for me. Dr. Hunt is amazing. He was the 1 doctor after 3 others that found the problem in my shoulder. I can’t thank him enough. Septic arthritis is so painful and dangerous. Thank you for his well trained team for all that you did for me.

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He has been following up my knees since he replaced the first one 20 years ago and they are still going strong. He has always been concerned with my health and well being, a fine doctor and human being

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She was great and explained things and even came in to the cast room to check on me while getting my cast on.

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Dr. Donegan and entire staff are excellent. Will be recommending him anytime I can.

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I was very satisfied with my visit with Dr. Favetto. His exam was thorough, and I understood the plan of care. He also picked up on symptoms other physicians have missed.

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Dr. Ellingsen is thoughtful and amiable. Pays close attention and respect to patients.

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Explains everything well. Compassionate and understanding. Seems concerned for his patients' welfare.

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