Quick read
Key points
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Hand tendon repair is surgery to reconnect a tendon that's been cut or torn, most commonly following an injury, allowing the affected finger or thumb to move normally again. Tendons connect muscles to bones and are essential for hand movement, so repair and careful rehabilitation are important for regaining full function.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice increasing pain, swelling, or redness at the surgical site
01 · Know
What is Hand Tendon Repair?
Hand tendon repair is surgery to reconnect a tendon that's been cut or torn, most commonly following an injury, allowing the affected finger or thumb to move normally again. Tendons connect muscles to bones and are essential for hand movement, so repair and careful rehabilitation are important for regaining full function.
Recovery involves a carefully staged rehabilitation process, often starting with a splint to protect the repair while allowing controlled movement, followed by a gradual increase in activity under the guidance of a hand therapist.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Rehabilitation timing is carefully staged for a reason
The specific timing of when to start moving the repaired tendon, and how much, is carefully planned by your surgical and therapy team — moving too little risks stiffness, while moving too much too soon risks the repair failing.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Care Team
- 1You notice increasing pain, swelling, or redness at the surgical site
- 2The splint feels uncomfortable or isn't fitting properly
- 3You have questions about your specific rehabilitation timeline
- 4You're concerned about your progress with movement or strength
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Follow Your Specific Rehabilitation Plan Exactly
Hand tendon repair rehabilitation is very specifically staged — following your hand therapist's exact instructions, rather than pushing ahead faster or being overly cautious, gives the best chance of full recovery.
- 1Wear your splint exactly as instructed.This protects the repair while allowing appropriate controlled movement.
- 2Attend all hand therapy appointments.A hand therapist guides the careful progression of exercises needed for full recovery.
- 3Follow the specific exercise programme given.This is carefully staged to protect the repair while preventing stiffness.
- 4Avoid using the hand for activities beyond what's been cleared.This protects the healing tendon from excessive strain.
- 5Report any concerns promptly.Increasing pain, swelling, or difficulty with movement should be discussed with your care team.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Hand tendon repair ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Hand tendon repair, combined with careful, staged rehabilitation, generally leads to good recovery of hand function.
Following your hand therapist's specific exercise and splinting plan exactly is essential for the best possible outcome.