Problems in Hand Tendons

The tendons in the hands enable hand and finger movement and are directly connected to muscles in the arms. Fingers do not have any muscles and require healthy flexible tendons for movement. There are two different groups of hand tendons: extensors and flexors. The extensor tendons are responsible for the straightening of the fingers and wrist area. The flexor tendons are responsible for bending and curving movements of the hands and fingers. Problems in hand tendons occur when there is inflammation or infection within one or more tendons. These problems can cause pain and a decrease in function and movement.

Trigger Finger

• A finger with flexor tendinitis takes longer to straighten, compared to other fingers on the hand.

  Trigger finger is also known as flexor tendinitis. Flexor tendinitis is a form of tendinitis that occurs when the tendons that enable the fingers to bend into a "trigger-pulling" position become swollen and irritated. This causes the flexibility of the tendons in the finger or fingers to become stuck in certain places of the hand, causing a decrease in finger movement. Trigger finger can cause discomfort as symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling.

Hand Tendinitis

• Hand tendinitis occurs when the hands are overused. Hand tendinitis can cause swelling and pain in different tendons of the hands. Hand movement becomes difficult and painful. Symptoms of hand tendinitis include aching, burning and a feeling of tightness. This condition is not easily diagnosed and can sometimes be mistaken for simple hand pain. Hand tendinitis is treated by resting the hand and by using a hand support or brace for extra support to the tendons while they heal.

Arthritic Inflammation of the Hand Tendons

• Inflammation of arthritic hands.

  A common hand tendon problem is arthritis in the hands. Not only is arthritis a degenerative bone disease but it also affects surrounding muscle and other tissues, including tendons. Tendons can become swollen and inflamed in the hand if arthritis is affecting nearby joints.

Infectious Tenosynovitis

• Infectious tenosynovitis occurs in the hand when the sheath of a tendon or tendons becomes inflamed and infected. The infection that causes infectious tenosynovitis is usually contracted from a wound on the skin and/or an infection in the bloodstream. This condition can cause pain and a temporary or permanent decrease in hand or finger mobility.