Two important areas of the body that can benefit from an orthopedic specialist are our tendons and our nerves—especially the tendons in fingers, wrist and hand. Tendons are tough fibers that connect your muscles to your bones, and when these fibers experience tendon injuries or tendon damage, everyday movement can become difficult. Nerves, which transmit messages through tiny electrical signals, can also be easily injured and require expert care.
Most tendon injuries occur near joints such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle and hand. Tendons can become inflamed, called tendinitis, or develop small tears known as tendinosis. Together, these forms of tendon damage are often described as tendinopathy. Some injuries also involve more complex issues, such as flexor tendon injuries, which affect the ability to bend the fingers and grip objects.
While a tendon can be injured suddenly, most tendon injuries result from gradual wear and tear from overuse or aging. A tendon weakened over time is much more vulnerable to sudden damage.
Nerves are fragile and can be harmed by pressure, stretching or cutting. Nerve injuries can interrupt signals to and from the brain, leading to loss of feeling, muscle weakness, or difficulty using the affected area — particularly in the hand.
Symptoms of tendinopathy may include:
Nerve damage may cause:
Initial treatment for an injured tendon usually includes rest and pain relievers. Your doctor may also recommend:
Treatment or management of nerve disorders may include:
If you suspect tendon injuries, tendon damage, flexor tendon injuries or nerve issues — particularly affecting your tendons in fingers or hand — contact the orthopedic hand and upper extremity specialists at Summa Health for a consultation.
