Can a nicked tendon heal?

The repaired tendon will usually be back to full strength after about 12 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months to regain the full range of movement. In some cases, it may never be possible to move the affected finger or thumb as much as before it was damaged.

What happens if you cut a tendon in your finger?

If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend 1 or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and swelling (inflammation) in your hand. Sometimes, damage to the extensor tendons can be treated without the need for surgery, using a rigid support called a splint that’s worn around the hand.

How long does a damaged tendon in finger take to heal?

If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time. If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a splint all the time. After that, you will need to wear your splint for another 3 to 4 weeks, at night only.

How do you fix a cut finger tendon?

Generally, during tendon repair a surgeon will:

  1. make one or more small incisions (cuts) in the skin over the damaged tendon.
  2. sew the torn ends of the tendon together.
  3. check the surrounding tissue to make sure no other injuries have occurred, such as injury to the blood vessels or nerves.
  4. close the incision.

Can tendons be permanently damaged?

Over time, inflamed tendons become thickened, bumpy, and irregular. Without rest and time for the tissue to heal, tendons can become permanently weakened.

How do you tell if a tendon is cut?

Signs and symptoms of a cut tendon

  1. An inability to bend one or more joints of the finger.
  2. Pain when you bend your finger.
  3. An open injury, such as a cut, on the palm side of the hand, particularly in the joint area where the skin folds as the finger bends.
  4. Mild swelling over the joint closest to your fingertip.

What does it feel like when you cut a tendon?

An injury that is associated with the following signs or symptoms may be a tendon rupture: A snap or pop you hear or feel. Severe pain. Rapid or immediate bruising.

How do you repair tendon damage?

The surgeon makes a cut on the skin over the injured tendon. The damaged or torn ends of the tendon are sewn together. If the tendon has been severely injured, a tendon graft may be needed. In this case, a piece of tendon from another part of the body or an artificial tendon is used.