After surgery, the hand may be brusied and swollen, and you will most likely experience pain as the anaesthetic wears off. The repaired tendons are going to be very weak until completely healed which can make recovery a lengthy process. Depending on the location recovery may take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

Healing can take up to 12 weeks. The injured tendon may need to be supported with a splint or cast to take tension off of the repaired tendon. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is usually necessary to return movement in a safe manner. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.

A simple flexor tendon repair takes 45 to 60 minutes, but complex surgery for more severe injuries could take much longer. Read more about recovering from hand tendon repair and the complications of hand tendon repair.

You will not be able to use your hand for any activity i.e. gripping or lifting until at least 8 weeks after your surgery. Your tendon will take up to 12 weeks to completely heal and it is important to follow all advice to avoid rupturing your tendon.

Your symptoms (pain, swelling, stiffness) will continue to improve as you work with therapy. Patients usually have good motion at 3 months, and continue to improve for up to 1 year after surgery.

By 26 weeks, continuity between the collagen fibres of the tendon and the surrounding bone was observed throughout the length of the bone tunnel, resembling a fibrous enthesis.

The Procedure Tendon repair usually involves either fixing a tear with stitches or sutures or reattaching a tendon to a bone. In the latter case, holes are drilled in the bone and the tendon is affixed by threading sutures through the holes. Procedures will vary based on the location and the extent of the injury.

As a tissue, tendons are not very metabolically active when compared to something like muscle. They therefore take longer to strengthen in response to an exercise program. While some cases may require 6 months or even longer to recover, most cases will resolve within 2-3 months.

Below are five simple strategies.

1. Make a long-term commitment. It takes a little longer to strengthen tendons and ligaments than it does muscles because they get less blood flow.
2. Lift heavier weights.
3. Adjust your diet.
4. Take a supplement.
5. Get enough sleep.

Nutrition for Tendon and Ligament Health

• Protein: Protein makes up the bulk of your tendons and ligaments.
• Vitamin C: Tendons and ligaments also need vitamin C, a nutrient found in many vegetables and fruits, because both tissues contain large amounts of collagen.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E reduces inflammation and may help to reduce tendonitis.

6 Best Foods to Eat While Recovering From Sports Injuries

• Foods that Contain Plenty of Protein. Protein is the nutrient that reinforces your body’s muscle tissue.
• 2. Fruits and Vegetables With Vitamin C.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
• Zinc-Rich Foods.
• Vitamin D/Calcium.
• Foods Rich in Fiber.