Tendon & Nerve Injuries — When to Seek Urgent Care
Tendons and nerves in the hand are small but critical for movement and sensation. Cuts, crushes, or deep injuries can damage them. Because these structures don't heal properly on their own, urgent evaluation is essential.
Signs of a Possible Tendon Injury
Finger won't bend or straighten after a cut
Sudden loss of motion following injury
Pain or gap felt when trying to move
Signs of a Possible Nerve Injury
Numbness or tingling in part of the hand after a cut
Inability to feel light touch or temperature
Weakness in fine motor movements
Why Urgent Care Is Important
Tendons: If not repaired promptly, they can retract, making surgery more complex.
Nerves: Best results come when repaired early, before scar tissue forms.
Delays: Can lead to stiffness, permanent weakness, or lasting numbness.
Treatment Options
Immediate wound care: Control bleeding, clean, and protect the injury.
Surgical repair: Tendons and nerves are repaired under magnification; timing matters.
Rehabilitation: Hand therapy is critical for recovery after repair.
Recovery Expectations
Tendons: Regain strength gradually over weeks to months; splinting and therapy required.
Nerves: Sensation may recover slowly over months to years; outcome depends on injury severity and repair quality.
Bottom Line
Deep cuts or injuries that affect motion or sensation in the hand should be evaluated the same day. Prompt repair offers the best chance for full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I injured a tendon?
If a finger won't bend or straighten after a cut or deep injury, or you feel a gap with motion, a tendon may be torn and needs urgent evaluation.
What are signs of a nerve injury?
Numbness or loss of sensation in part of the finger or hand after a cut suggests nerve damage. Fine motor weakness can also occur.
Why is urgent care important?
Tendons can retract and nerves scar if repair is delayed, making surgery more complex and outcomes less predictable. Early evaluation improves the chances of full recovery.
What does treatment involve?
After initial wound care, definitive treatment is surgical repair under magnification, followed by a structured rehabilitation program with hand therapy.
How long does recovery take?
Tendon strength returns gradually over weeks to months with splinting and therapy. Nerve recovery is slower and may continue for months to years depending on injury severity and repair.
Related Articles
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Don't wait weeks to see a specialist.