What is tendonitis surgery?
Tendonitis is a common hand condition where the tendons have become irritated and inflamed. It can cause painful symptoms such as swelling, redness, a catching or snapping feeling, tenderness and reduced strength. Tendonitis is usually caused by overuse or repetitive movements, but hand tendon problems can also be caused by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic disease like diabetes or accidental injury usually from sport. Tendonitis hand exercises are always the preferred course of treatment in the initial stages.
In extreme cases where non-invasive hand tendonitis treatments are no longer effective, your doctor may recommend tendonitis surgery to restore functionality and movement. This is usually only suggested if the tendon is severely damaged or torn. During hand tendon surgery, the damaged tissue is removed, and the tendon is repaired by stitching the two ends together or by reattaching the tendon to the muscle. Where the inflamed tendons are causing restricted movement, a small cut is made which gives the tendons more room to move.
General recovery times
Tendonitis surgery can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that patients can return home the same day and benefit from a quicker recovery period. The operation may take between 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of the surgery required. In the case of severe hand tendon injury it could take much longer.
At first your hand will be elevated in a sling to help reduce the swelling, and it is normal to experience some pain for up to 2 weeks after the operation. You may be provided with a splint to help with your hand tendon recovery, and your doctor will prescribe some specific hand tendonitis exercises to help restore your range of movement. It will take up to 12 weeks to regain full strength in your hand, but it could take up to 6 months to restore a full range of flexibility.
Other hand surgeries and procedures
Common hand conditions
- Hand fracture
- Hand arthritis
- Hand tendonitis
- Trigger finger
- Mallet finger
- Flexor tendon injury
- Dislocated finger
- Tendon sheath inflammation
- Extensor tendon injury
How much will my hand surgery cost?
Understanding the cost of your treatment is an important consideration before committing to surgery, but it’s not always easy to find the information you need. Learn more about the factors which contribute to the cost of your surgery:
What will my treatment and recovery look like?
Familiarising yourself with your treatment program and understanding the recovery process are important steps to take on the pathway to surgery.
Find a hospital with orthopaedic services
Our Hospitals
