Our hands are amazing tools that help us do just about everything—brush our teeth, open doors, write, and even wave hello. But did you know that tendons in our hands make all of that movement possible? Two very important types of tendons are called flexor tendons and extensor tendons.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about what these tendons are, what happens when they get hurt, and how occupational therapy can help.
What Are Flexor and Extensor Tendons?
Tendons are strong cords that connect muscles to bones. When muscles pull on tendons, your bones move—this is how you can move your fingers, hands, and arms.
- Flexor tendons help you bend your fingers. You use them to hold a pencil, make a fist, or grip a cup.
- Extensor tendons help you straighten your fingers and thumb. You use them to let go of objects or to wave.
These tendons run through small tunnels in your wrist and hand. When working properly, they glide smoothly as your hand moves.
What Can Go Wrong?
Tendons can be injured in many ways. Common tendon problems include:
- Tendon Lacerations – A sharp object, like glass or a knife, can cut a tendon. This may stop your finger from bending or straightening. You might also notice swelling or pain.
- Tendon Ruptures – Sometimes, a tendon can tear or snap. This can happen from a hard hit, sports injury, or lifting something too heavy.
- Tendon Irritation (Tendinitis) – Doing the same motion over and over—like typing, texting, or playing sports—can make tendons sore and swollen.
- Trigger Finger – This happens when a flexor tendon gets stuck in its tunnel. Your finger may feel like it “catches” or “locks” when you try to bend or straighten it.
The most common symptoms of a tendon condition include difficulty bending or straightening a finger, pain when your fingers move, swelling/bruising and difficulty completing daily tasks due to weakened grip.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapists are trained to help people use their hands and arms again after an injury. If you hurt a tendon, you may need therapy after surgery or to avoid surgery altogether. Here’s how we can help:
- Custom Splints – Your therapist may give you a splint to protect the tendon while it heals. It keeps your hand in a safe position so you don’t re-injure it.
- Gentle Exercises – Once your tendon starts healing, your OT will show you safe, slow movements to help the tendon glide and prevent stiffness.
- Scar Care – If you had surgery, your OT will help with scar massage and stretching to keep your skin and tendon moving well.
- Hand Strengthening – As you heal, you’ll do grip and pinch exercises to make your hand stronger so you can get back to daily activities.
- Education – Your therapist will teach you how to avoid re-injury. You’ll learn how to move your hand in safe ways, and when to rest.
If something doesn’t feel right in your hand or fingers, don’t wait. Early treatment can help you heal faster and avoid bigger problems. Tendons take a long time to heal—sometimes up to 12 weeks or more. That’s why it’s important to follow your therapy plan closely. Doing too much too soon can cause the tendon to tear again.
If you’re recovering from a tendon injury or have hand pain, talk to your doctor or ask about seeing an occupational therapist. We’re here to help your hands feel and work better!
