Tendon rupture causes treatment and when does it fully heal
A tendon tear in the shoulder or hand is a sudden and painful injury that can greatly affect daily movement. It may occur due to accidents, sports injuries, or even as a result of aging. But the question most people ask is: How long does it take for a torn tendon to fully heal? And what are the main causes and effective treatment options?In this Dalily Medical article, we’ll discuss all the possible causes of tendon tears, explain the available treatment methods, and outline the recovery steps that ensure complete healing and a return to normal life.Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about tendon injuries and the most effective ways to treat them.
1. What Are Tendons and How Do They Work?
Tendons are flexible fibers that connect muscles to bones. They help transfer the force generated by muscles to bones, allowing natural movement of the fingers and hand. When a tendon is torn or completely cut, movement becomes very difficult or even impossible.
2. Does a Torn Tendon Always Require Surgery?
Not always. If the tendon is completely ruptured, surgery is often needed to repair it. However, in minor or partial tears, treatment may include rest, physiotherapy, or the use of splints and braces without surgery.
3. How Long Is Recovery After Tendon Repair Surgery?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and how well the patient follows their physiotherapy plan. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring hand movement and preventing stiffness.
4. Can I Return to Work After a Tendon Injury?
Returning to work depends on the type of job and the severity of the injury. If the injury is severe, you may need a long rest period before resuming work. In most cases, patients must complete their treatment and physiotherapy programs before returning to daily activities.
5. Can a Tendon Tear Again After Surgery?
Yes, a tendon can re-tear if postoperative instructions are not followed — such as using a splint correctly or avoiding strain. Always follow your doctor’s advice carefully to ensure full recovery.
6. Can I Exercise After a Tendon Injury?
You should not return to sports or strenuous physical activities until the tendon is fully healed. Always consult your doctor before resuming exercise to prevent reinjury.
7. Does Every Tendon Tear Need Surgery?
No. Minor or partial tears can often be treated with rest and physiotherapy. However, in cases of complete or severe ruptures, surgical intervention is required.
Types of Tendon Tears
Complete Tendon Rupture
Description: A full tear of the tendon that completely restricts movement.
Treatment: Usually requires surgical repair of the torn tendon.
Partial Tendon Rupture
Description: A partial tear where some fibers remain intact.
Treatment: Managed with rest, splints, and physiotherapy. Surgery may be needed in certain cases.
Sharp Tendon Laceration
Description: A tendon cut caused by sharp objects (e.g., knives or glass).
Treatment: Requires immediate surgical repair and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Double Tendon Rupture
Description: Two or more tendons torn in the same hand or finger.
Treatment: Requires complex surgery and an extended rehabilitation period.
Tendon Avulsion
Description: The tendon is torn away from the bone.
Treatment: Surgical reattachment is needed.
Chronic Tendon Rupture
Description: Caused by repetitive motion or long-term strain on the tendon.
Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgery for severe cases.
Extensor Tendon Rupture
Description: Tear in the tendons responsible for extending the fingers.
Treatment: Usually requires surgical repair.
Flexor Tendon Rupture
Description: Tear in the tendons responsible for bending the fingers.
Treatment: Depends on the severity—can involve conservative care or surgery.
Tendon Rupture Due to Infection
Description: Tendon tears as a result of infection or inflammation of surrounding tissues.
Treatment: Requires antibiotics and possibly surgical intervention.
Causes of Tendon Tears
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Accidents and Trauma:
Deep cuts (e.g., knife wounds) or sports injuries involving high force. -
Repetitive Strain:
Continuous movements such as typing or prolonged computer use can stress tendons and cause tears. -
Aging:
Tendons become weaker and more brittle with age, making them more prone to injury. -
Medical Conditions:
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Tendonitis: Inflammation that weakens tendons.
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Arthritis: Increases the risk of tendon damage.
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Falls and Sudden Movements:
Improper hand positioning during a fall can stretch tendons beyond their limit. -
Overuse or Excessive Pressure:
Lifting heavy objects or sudden intense effort can cause tearing. -
Genetic Factors:
Some people naturally have weaker or more elastic tendons, making them more susceptible to rupture.
Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Hand Tendon
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Loss of Hand or Finger Movement:
If the affected tendon controls a specific motion, you may lose the ability to bend or straighten the fingers.-
Extensor Tendon Tear: Inability to straighten fingers.
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Flexor Tendon Tear: Inability to bend fingers.
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Sudden, Sharp Pain:
A severe pain is often felt at the moment of injury, especially when trying to move the hand or fingers. -
Swelling and Bruising:
Inflammation causes swelling, and bruises may appear due to internal bleeding or deep cuts. -
Finger or Hand Deformity:
The fingers may appear bent or misaligned if the tendon is completely torn. -
Difficulty Gripping Objects:
It becomes hard to hold or grasp items like cups or pens due to loss of control. -
Popping or Snapping Sound:
A “pop” may be heard at the moment of tendon rupture. -
Weakness or Numbness:
If nearby nerves are affected, you may experience numbness or weakness in the injured area. -
Tightness or Tension Feeling:
A sensation of stiffness or pulling in the hand after injury. -
Skin Color or Temperature Changes:
Redness or warmth around the affected area may indicate inflammation. -
Open Wound (in deep injuries):
A visible wound may appear if the tear results from a deep cut.
Diagnosis of Hand Tendon Injury
1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
The doctor will ask about how the injury occurred (e.g., accident, sharp wound) and assess symptoms like pain and loss of motion. They’ll also check for swelling, bruising, and your ability to bend or extend your fingers.
2. Hand and Finger Movement Tests:
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Flexion Test: The doctor checks your ability to bend your fingers.
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Extension Test: The doctor assesses your ability to straighten them.
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Additional Tests: Such as the Clinton Test, to evaluate tendon function.
3. X-Ray Imaging:
While X-rays don’t show tendons, they help rule out bone fractures that may accompany tendon injuries.
4. MRI Scan:
MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, allowing doctors to pinpoint the location and extent of the tendon tear, as well as any surrounding inflammation.
5. Ultrasound Imaging (Sonography)
Ultrasound provides real-time images of the tendons and surrounding tissues. This test is quick, non-invasive, and allows the doctor to observe tendon movement and precisely locate the tear or rupture.
6. Nerve Function Tests
If the injury involves nearby nerves, the doctor may perform neurological tests to evaluate nerve function.
These may include sensation tests (such as touch or pain response) and motor tests to assess how the nerves are affecting movement and muscle control.
7. Muscle Strength Tests
The doctor evaluates hand strength by asking the patient to squeeze objects or perform certain movements. Weakness in grip or motion may indicate a tendon rupture.
8. Examination Under Local Anesthesia (in some cases)
In complex cases or when a clinical exam is inconclusive, the doctor may perform an examination under local anesthesia to better assess tendon movement while the muscles are relaxed.
Diagnosis Steps According to Injury Type
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Complete Tendon Rupture: Leads to total loss of movement in the hand or fingers.
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Partial Tear: Causes pain and weakness but not total loss of function.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications or permanent tendon damage. When the injury is detected promptly, proper treatment can help restore normal hand function and improve long-term outcomes.
⚠️ Risks and Complications of Hand Tendon Injuries
A tendon tear in the hand is a serious injury that can significantly affect hand function if not treated promptly. Since tendons are responsible for hand and finger movement, any delay or improper treatment can lead to lasting complications.
Here are the most common risks and complications:
1. Loss of Hand Function
Tendons control finger and hand movement, so a torn tendon can make it impossible to move the hand normally.
In severe cases, patients may struggle to grip objects, write, or cook — all of which impact daily life quality.
2. Permanent Deformities
If not treated promptly, tendon injuries may cause permanent deformities, such as fingers remaining bent or unable to return to their natural position.
In severe cases, partial paralysis or long-term stiffness may develop due to tendon weakness.
3. Infections
If the injury involves an open wound, bacteria may enter and cause infection or inflammation.
Untreated infections can damage muscles or bones, and in rare severe cases, lead to sepsis (blood poisoning).
4. Nerve Damage
Sometimes, the tear extends to nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
If nerve damage is significant, fine motor control of the hand can be permanently affected.
5. Weakness in the Hand and Joints
Without proper repair, the hand may lose muscle strength and joint support over time, resulting in stiffness and difficulty performing normal movements.
6. Pressure on Surrounding Tissues
Swelling caused by the injury may put pressure on nerves and blood vessels, increasing pain and reducing blood flow, which slows healing.
7. Psychological and Social Impact
Losing normal hand function can lead to frustration, anxiety, or depression — especially for individuals whose jobs rely heavily on hand movement.
8. Chronic Pain and Slow Recovery
Some patients continue to experience pain even after treatment due to scar tissue formation or tendon adhesions during healing.
9. Incomplete or Delayed Healing
Even after surgery and rehabilitation, some cases may not regain full hand movement due to permanent tendon damage or weak healing response.
10. Recurrent Tendon Tears
If the tendon doesn’t heal strongly, it becomes weaker than normal and more prone to re-tearing during future physical activity or strain.
Medication Treatment for Hand Tendon Injuries
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and whether surgery is needed. In mild cases, medications can help relieve pain and inflammation, while in more severe cases, surgery may be required.
1. Pain Relief Medications
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Painkillers: Used to reduce acute pain.
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NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which reduce pain and swelling.
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Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): Useful for mild pain or when NSAIDs are not suitable.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
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Corticosteroids (Steroids): In some cases, corticosteroid injections (like cortisone) are used to reduce inflammation and swelling. However, overuse should be avoided as it may weaken tendons over time.
3. Antibiotics (for Open Wounds)
In cases of deep cuts or open injuries, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
Common options include Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, or Ciprofloxacin, depending on the suspected bacteria.
4. Muscle Relaxants
Drugs such as Baclofen or Cyclobenzaprine may be prescribed if the injury causes muscle spasms or tension, helping improve comfort during recovery.
5. Vitamins and Supplements for Healing
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Vitamin C: Supports collagen formation for tissue repair.
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Vitamin E: Enhances blood flow and recovery.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil; help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Surgical Treatment Steps for Tendon Repair
1. Preoperative Preparation
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Medical Evaluation: The doctor will assess the injury using X-rays or MRI to determine the location and severity of the tear.
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Anesthesia: Surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
2. Surgical Procedure
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Incision: A small incision is made over the injured area.
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Tendon Repair: The torn ends of the tendon are stitched back together with strong surgical sutures. In some cases, small staples or tubes are used for precise reattachment.
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Nerve Repair (if needed): If surrounding nerves are damaged, microsurgical repair is done using fine sutures.
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Wound Closure: Once repair is complete, the incision is closed with fine stitches and covered with a sterile dressing.
3. Post-Surgical Care
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Immobilization: The hand is placed in a splint or brace to limit movement and protect the repaired tendon.
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Rest: The patient should avoid any strain to ensure proper healing.
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Wound Monitoring: The area must be checked regularly for signs of infection or swelling.
4. Pain and Infection Management
After surgery, doctors may prescribe painkillers (NSAIDs) and antibiotics to control pain and prevent infection.
5. Physiotherapy (Rehabilitation)
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Early Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy begins a few weeks after surgery to restore flexibility and hand movement.
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Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Help rebuild muscle strength and tendon stability.
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Movement Control: Patients are trained to perform safe movements that protect the healing tendon.
6. Recovery Timeline
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Initial Healing: Takes about 3–6 weeks, during which rest and immobilization are essential.
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Full Recovery: May take 3–6 months, depending on the injury’s severity and rehabilitation progress.
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Return to Normal Activities: The doctor will determine when it’s safe to resume daily tasks or work, often after completing physiotherapy successfully.