Sore hands and Fingers: Common reasons and Effective remedies

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Flexor tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes...

Our hands are one of the most important tools we use every day. From holding a pen to lifting heavy objects, we rely on our fingers, wrists, and palms for almost everything. When pain strikes due to tendon inflammation, even the smallest tasks become a struggle. One such condition that often affects people with repetitive hand movements or injuries is flexor tendonitis.

This blog explains everything you need to know—what it is, why it happens, how to recognize it, treatment methods, recovery, and prevention strategies.

What is Flexor Tendonitis?

Flexor tendons are strong, fibrous cords that connect the muscles in your forearm to the bones of your fingers and thumb. Their main function is to allow you to bend your fingers and grip objects.

Flexor tendonitis happens when these tendons become inflamed, irritated, or swollen. This irritation makes it difficult for the tendons to glide smoothly through their protective sheath (a tunnel-like covering). The result is pain, stiffness, and limited motion.

It is important to differentiate between:

Tendonitis – inflammation of the tendon.
Tendinosis – chronic degeneration of the tendon without much inflammation.
Tendon rupture – a complete tear, which is more serious and often requires surgery.

Symptoms of Flexor Tendonitis

Symptoms may appear gradually with repetitive stress or suddenly after trauma. Common signs include:

Pain – The hallmark symptom, often sharp or aching, felt in the palm, wrist, or fingers. Pain worsens with gripping, bending fingers, or lifting.

Swelling – Localized puffiness or bulging along the tendon path.

Tenderness – Pain when pressing on the tendon area.

Stiffness – Difficulty bending fingers or wrist, especially in the morning after rest.

Clicking or snapping sensation – The tendon may feel as if it “catches” and then releases suddenly.

Weak grip strength – Holding items like cups, pens, or tools becomes harder.

Warmth and redness – Visible signs of inflammation in more severe cases.

Pain at rest – Chronic cases may hurt even without movement.

If you notice sudden loss of finger movement or a finger stuck in a bent position, it could be a tendon tear or trigger finger—both require urgent medical attention.

Causes of Flexor Tendonitis

There are multiple triggers for this condition:

Repetitive strain

Typing for long hours.
Texting or scrolling on mobile devices.
Using hand tools like screwdrivers or hammers.

Sports-related stress

Rock climbers often strain finger tendons.
Tennis, golf, baseball, and cricket involve repetitive wrist and finger movements.

Trauma or injury

A sudden fall on the hand.
Direct blow to the wrist or palm.
Overstretching of fingers.

Underlying medical conditions

Diabetes – causes tendon stiffness and slower healing.
Rheumatoid arthritis – leads to chronic tendon inflammation.
Gout – uric acid crystals irritate tendons.

Workplace ergonomics

Poor posture or improper hand positioning during typing, computer use, or manual labor increases stress on tendons.

Age and wear-and-tear

As tendons lose elasticity with age, they become more prone to irritation and injury.

Effective Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity—mild cases often improve with conservative care, while severe cases may require medical interventions or surgery.

1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest – Stop or reduce repetitive hand activities.
Ice therapy – Apply ice packs (15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day) to reduce swelling.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – Ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin reduce pain and inflammation.
Splinting or bracing – Keeps the wrist or fingers in a neutral position to promote healing.
Physical therapy:
- Stretching exercises (to maintain flexibility).
- Strengthening exercises (to prevent recurrence).
- Ultrasound or laser therapy (to improve blood flow and healing).
Heat therapy – Used in later stages to improve circulation and muscle relaxation.
Activity modification – Adjusting typing posture, using ergonomic keyboards, or switching hand positions.

2. Medical Interventions

If conservative care doesn’t work:

Corticosteroid injections – Provide immediate pain relief by reducing inflammation in the tendon sheath.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – Uses your own blood platelets to stimulate tendon healing.

3. Surgical Treatment

Reserved for persistent or severe cases:

Tendon sheath release surgery – Releases pressure around the tendon.
Tendon repair – Fixes partial tendon damage.
Tenosynovectomy – Removes inflamed tissue around the tendon.

Post-surgery, hand therapy is essential for regaining flexibility and strength.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery timeline varies:

Mild cases – 4–6 weeks with rest and therapy.
Moderate cases – 2–3 months of physiotherapy.
Post-surgical recovery – 3–6 months with structured rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Goals:

Restore pain-free movement.
Regain grip strength and dexterity.
Prevent recurrence with ergonomic and lifestyle adjustments.

Common rehabilitation exercises include:

Gentle finger stretches.
Grip strengthening with stress balls.
Wrist rotations and flexion-extension exercises.
Resistance band training for forearm muscles.

Prevention Tips

Since flexor tendonitis is often caused by repetitive stress, prevention is key:

Take frequent breaks during typing or tool use.
Warm up and stretch hands before sports.
Maintain ergonomic posture – keep wrists neutral, use cushioned supports.
Strengthen forearm and hand muscles with regular exercises.
Avoid sudden heavy lifting without preparation.
Control medical conditions like diabetes, gout, or arthritis.

Conclusion

Flexor tendonitis may seem like a minor condition at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced hand function, and even tendon damage. The good news is that with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, most people recover fully and return to their daily activities without discomfort. Whether your tendonitis is caused by repetitive strain, sports, or an underlying medical condition, taking the right steps toward recovery makes all the difference.

At Krisha Hand Hospital, we specialize in advanced hand care, offering expert diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and rehabilitation support to help you regain strength, mobility, and comfort. Don’t let tendon pain limit your everyday life—book a consultation with Krisha Hand Hospital today and take the first step toward healthy, pain-free hands.

Author bio

Dr. Karn Maheshwari is the founder of Krisha Hand Hospital, Ahmedabad, established in 2016. He is the only fnb-qualified hand surgeon across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

With MS and DNB in orthopedics, Dr. Maheshwari specializes in treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, sports hand injuries, orthopedic hand surgery, ganglion cysts, mangled hand injuries, congenital hand differences, brachial plexus palsy, cerebral palsy & spastic hand, hand tendinopathy, hand microsurgery, hand swelling, hand transplants, hand reimplantation, rheumatoid hand deformities, and peripheral nerve injuries & compressive neuropathies.

Dr. Maheshwari’s unmatched expertise and patient-centric approach ensure world-class treatment, advanced surgical solutions, and optimal recovery for patients with complex hand and wrist conditions.

FAQs

Can flexor tendonitis heal on its own without treatment?

Mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification, but untreated tendonitis can worsen and lead to chronic issues.

Is flexor tendonitis the same as trigger finger?

No, trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath narrows, causing the finger to lock, whereas flexor tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendon itself.

How do I know if my hand pain is tendonitis or arthritis?

Tendonitis usually causes pain during movement and along the tendon path, while arthritis pain is often felt in the joints with stiffness, especially in the morning.

Can flexor tendonitis come back after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible if repetitive stress or poor ergonomics continue. Strengthening and prevention strategies are important.

What daily activities should I avoid if I have flexor tendonitis?

Avoid prolonged typing, heavy gripping, repetitive tool use, or any activity that strains the wrist and fingers until recovery.

Are there home remedies that can help manage flexor tendonitis?

Yes, rest, ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, and gentle stretching exercises may help relieve symptoms in early stages.

Can flexor tendonitis affect both hands?

Yes, especially in people with repetitive work habits or systemic conditions like diabetes or arthritis.

Is massage therapy useful for flexor tendonitis?

Gentle massage may improve blood circulation and reduce stiffness, but deep or aggressive massage should be avoided during active inflammation.