Our extensor tendons are located on the back side of the hand, and are visible especially when the fingers are clawed. These tendons attach to muscles in the forearm and allow a person to straighten the fingers and thumb (they are called extensors because they help “extend” or straighten).
Extensor tendons also allow us to
- make the peace sign (or high five)
- to perform the hitchhiking maneuver
- to open the fingers in order to release an object in the hand.
HOW DO EXTENSOR TENDONS BECOME INJURED?
The extensor tendons can be injured by a cut from a sharp object or when a finger is “jammed” while playing sports.
Other ways in which the extensor tendons become injured include
- fractures
- crush injuries
- trauma.
Conditions such as arthritis can also cause extensor tendon problems.
Example of “Baseball” or “Mallet Finger” extensor tendon injury at tip of finger
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE TREATMENTS FOR AN EXTENSOR TENDON INJURY?
If an extensor tendon injury is suspected, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
An untreated injury can lead to a permanent
- inability to straighten the fingers or thumb
- loss of motion in the hand.
The location and extent of the injury will determine the necessary treatment.
Some extensor tendon injuries can be treated solely with the use of a customized splint to immobilize healing tendons, while other injuries will require surgery.
Your doctor will evaluate whether you need to be referred to a qualified hand surgeon or to our senior hand therapist for treatment.
WHAT CAN A HAND THERAPIST DO FOR ME?
Our senior hand therapist provides specialized care including non-operative and post-surgical treatment for extensor tendon injuries.
A specialized hand therapy program may include
- custom-made splints
- therapeutic exercises to restore motion and function of the hand.
The physician, our senior hand therapists and the patient work together as a team in order to achieve the best possible outcomes after an extensor tendon injury.
Example of orthosis for “Mallet Finger”
Patients may also receive the following hand therapy treatment modalities:
- cold therapy
- heat therapy
- moist heat paraffin wax therapy
- manual therapy
- joint mobilization
- ultrasound therapy.
