How to protect a hand tendon repair after a crash
Splints and safe movement, explained by a hand surgeon and a certified hand therapist
In a crash, glass, metal or a hard pull can cut or tear a tendon in the hand. A repaired tendon needs protection while it heals. It also needs carefully planned movement. That movement helps the tendon glide and keeps the finger from getting too stiff. A hand surgeon sets the limits for the repair. A certified hand therapist teaches the exact splint and exercise program. [1]
Learn what the surgeon fixed
Ask which tendon was hurt and whether a nerve or blood vessel was damaged too. Find out which movements the repair can’t handle yet. Ask when therapy starts and who will make your splint. Keep your surgery and therapy instructions in one place. Don’t swap in a general exercise video for your own program. [1]
Follow the splint and exercise plan to the letter
Wear the splint as directed. That includes while you sleep if your team says so. Take it off only when the team tells you to. Do your assigned exercises at the speed and number of times you were taught. Using more force does not help. [1]
Too much strain can break the repair. Too little movement can leave the tendon stuck and the finger stiff. Tell your therapist if the splint rubs, gets loose or stops fitting as the swelling changes. [1]
Speak up early about new problems
Call your hand team right away if a finger that was bending suddenly can’t bend. Do the same if the wound opens or you notice redness, drainage or a fever. A finger that turns cold or pale needs urgent care. Bring your questions about work, driving, lifting and washing to therapy. These tasks may strain the repair even when they feel easy. [1]
Questions for your hand team
- Which tendon and nearby structures were hurt?
- When does the splint have to stay on, and which exercises are allowed?
- What change means I should call right away?
Show your therapist the whole routine
Before you do your exercises on your own, go through the full sequence in front of your therapist. Ask them to fix your technique. [1]
Sources and further reading
General education from the perspective of hand surgery and hand therapy. Repair methods and therapy plans vary. Follow your own splint and exercise instructions exactly.
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