Hello Doctor,
Two years ago, I suffered a severe injury to my index finger from a knife-like object, cutting through my tendons and exposing my bones. I had surgery and some physiotherapy, but I still can’t bend my finger beyond 90 degrees; it only makes an L shape. I can make a fist with my other fingers’ help, but bending it forcefully causes great pain. Straightening it causes mild pain in the back of my hand. I hear cracking sounds when I try to move it, and it gets stopped by something in my palm. The skin around the wound feels sharp when in contact with anything sharp, and I have hard bubbles where the stitches were. I haven't had any swelling, but I'm concerned about whether this could be arthritis, trigger finger, or tenderness. I’m 18 years old, and the injury hasn’t improved in two years. Please help me understand what’s going on.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
The behavior of finger tendons can be quite complex after an injury. Extension can be hard to reestablish and difficult to replace, while flexion is usually self-repairing or easier to restore. You mentioned seeing the bones, but you didn't specify which part of the finger it was. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing extension blocking or flexor weakness, which can prevent bending. Scarring can contribute to contracture, affecting your finger's flexibility.
The flexibility of the skin and swelling in the joint cannot be determined through telemedicine. Physiotherapy combined with occupational therapy often helps after restoring the tendon structures. Additionally, using NSAIDs and topical creams may assist with collagen to loosen the skin scars. However, I strongly recommend seeing a hand orthopedic specialist for necessary investigations and diagnostics. This will typically guide your treatment options based on your insurance status.
Thanks
