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First Aid & Emergencies

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Flexor Tendon Sheath Infection of the Fingers or Hand

A flexor tendon sheath is the tube (sheath) covering tendons located on the palm side of the fingers and hand. An infection in this tendon sheath can be a serious problem and must be treated right away.

Injuries of the flexor tendon, such as puncture wounds, cat and dog bites, or embedded foreign bodies, can increase the risk of a flexor tendon infection. These infections can also occur when a gonorrhea infection has spread throughout the body (disseminated gonorrhea infection).

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Symptoms of a flexor sheath infection can include:

Tenderness along the length of a finger on the palm side of the hand or in the palm area.
Pain with movement, especially with straightening a finger. The finger is more comfortable in a flexed position.
Redness and skin that is warm to the touch.
Swelling.

Medical treatment may include rest, splinting, elevating the area, antibiotics, and surgery.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Messenger, MD
Last Revised	November 4, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 04, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.