Finger Injuries 2 Year Update | A2 Pulley Tear and Flexor Tendon Repair 

Here's a playlist of the whole recovery process: ru-vid.com/group/PLpmpssr45yfPYcLFY17ouccZZNdfvtH6I

Hey man, i am 25 year old student and from germany and i cut my flexor tendons on the same spot. I really wanted to start my fifth semester after covid and push a lot so this injury was really hard for me (now at two weeks after surgery). Waking up after surgery i really did cry because i felt so devastated and when i first saw my hand one week later it was even more of a shock because they cut it all up to my palm with 20/30+ stitches. To make everything worse hospital didnt provide a lot of support or knowledge. For them its just a minor injury but for me its my main hand and as you said it is really hard to not do the easiest tasks that you would be used to do. I didnt have a single hoodie or jacket that would fit me. So man i really want to point out that you are the main reason i have some kind of support during this dark time and that i will be forever thankful for what you shared of your experiences!

As someone who broke their middle finger tip and sliced it pretty badly, lost a nail over a month ago and is recovering, this video was very comforting. Didn't get any surgery but I got some wicked stitches. It's definitely been tough some days but I know I'll manage eventually. Thanks for this! Hoping for continued healing and less injuries in the futute you too!

Thanks for your honesty and critical thinking!

It's very true that finding others with a similar condition or injury can give peace. I'm two years out from an eye injury that triggered anxiety. Hearing others share their experiences takes away some of the fear. Thanks for sharing!

No need to be self conscious Mike sempai! You put food on the table, educate and change lives! Look at it like a battle scars, received in the line of duty…Thankyou for your service 👨🏻‍✈️ … And for the advice as usual

This "grandma type" is thrilled with your update. I've wondered how you were doing with the injuries to your fingers. Please continue to take care and know that we DO CARE! Hugs from a "South Carolina grandma"!!!!!

I have never related to anything this much in my entire life. Thank you for sharing. All of this has been ups and downs

Can't wait for that "peace". Who would think a finger injury would be so debilitating and mentally trying. Thanks for the encouragement and instilling some semblance of hope for the future.

I am a nurse or used to be. I am so glad you are sharing this because my husband always thought I was overreacting. When he would wound himself he would tell me “it’s too far away from my heart to hurt me.” This is a lesson to those who know need to be in the know.” I had brain surgery because I wouldn’t listen to my body. I took my schooling and I wanted to help others and my career before I took care of myself. It goes for the whole world and their body. I now cannot work because the surgeon because the surgeon was heavy handed on my spinal cord. I have no case in court, along with loss of use most of my body. Because I did this before I should have.

Thanks for the update bro, and again hope we all keep safe when engaging in our Dangerous Sport of Gardening.

My husband had an injury on his pinky. My oldest daughter was born with a pinky that looks the same way! People made comments that she inherited it from her dad! Haha! Then my middle daughter broke her pinky in 5th grade and had to have it pinned. I'm so used to hanging out with people who have deformed pinkies that I don't even think about it! Yours just looks normal to me!

Owww. Mike, glad you're recovering, and yes, you still have two working hands...yay!!! I finally tried starting my hydrangeas using your method, and I'm so amazed how well it's working in this heat! I have about 3 weeks to go. 🤞

Interesting - I enjoyed your in depth description of your injuries. You are so right about turning to Google and RU-vid for info. I broke both my ankles three years ago and got more help on how to cope there than I did from the doctors and the therapist. Also, as I couldn't go anywhere for months, it was a good dress rehearsal for Covid lockdown ( nobody saw that coming!!). I also crushed all my fingertips in a garage door earlier this summer. The pain was exquisite and it has taken a long time to fully recover. A moment of inattention or impatience can change your whole perspective on your body , that's for sure!

It's been nearly a decade since my kitchen accident in which I sliced open my left index finger. Damaged the nerve and one of the tendons. Health care provider waited months before agreeing to cover the surgery. I can grip with it but an unprovoked attack 5 years ago caused more damage to the entire hand. Since then, I often drop things. I'm thankful for my neighbor being nice enough to open difficult jars for me.

Glad you are better.

Hi from Iowa! I'm and occupational therapist (hand therapist), and it was important that you had the surgery. If you had not had the surgery, your tendon would have likely retracted into your forearm and you wouldn't be able to move your pinky at all. There's really no way to stabilize the tendon without operating. Regardless, there are 2 protocols for therapy after tendon injuries, and using a combination of both is generally best. You did the best you could! scarring with tendon repairs is the most difficult, frustrating, time consuming injury to deal with. Having another surgery at this point likely wouldn't do a lot of good, because you'll be battling new scar tissue every time they make an incision. I really hope they continue to do research and update surgical protocols to reduce scaring and improve patient outcomes. Wishing you the best!

Thank you for sharing these videos. I found them really comforting. People don’t really understand how impactful a broken little finger is. I got comments like ‘oh at least it’s not one of your other fingers’ and then like attitudes of ‘what are you that upset about’. The surgery was hard as I had to stay awake and recovery is slow. I’m unsure as to what range of motion I’ll get but I’m determined and try to stay positive. It’s hard not being able to do basic things like washing up or washing my hair. Life goes on.

I went through flexor tendon repair last year, I came back to thank you for making these videos. My doctor did not giv me a lot of details, but your videos helped me prepare emotionally. I also have a pulley rupture which is pending for surgery. I will probably do it this year

Great update!

I have close to exactly the same injury, 14 months post surgery. I have very similar results. These results are actually good. They are in the 70% to 80% full recovery range. This far superior to a finger that doesn't bend at all. I think the success is being under-appreciated, here. My injury is the same finger, same dominant hand. I am about 15 years older. I am also a lifelong kung fu artist and lifelong guitarist. I play keyboards and several percussion instruments, and I do some dumbell routines. I also have an active professional horticultural background and education. Like Mike, my 70% successful outcome hasn't really negatively affected any of my vocations. I have slightly more bend, but I'm still putting in significant dedicated home PT, daily. If I don't, my whole hand starts gumming up, 14 months out. I'm still wearing a compression glove at night, and occasionally wrapping my pinkie during the day. My pinkie and hand still bother me some, around the clock. Nodes have developed in multiple places on my palm. My whole hand is still affected. I'm hoping this won't be a lifelong issue. Nonetheless, the outcome was 70% to 80% successful, as predicted. That's way better than the alternative. You pretty much have to get the surgery. The recovery is a terrible ordeal, but in most cases the injury was really stupid. It's mainly an injury of testosterone saturated men being way too forceful, careless, impatient, or inpaired; or some combo of the above. That should be the focus of the reflection period. I'm not getting the follow-up surgery. I'm working hard on home therapy. As is, the surgery has an almost 1 in 5 chance of severing the tendon while trying to separate it from the scar tissue. The results and recovery from a second operation are reported to be worse than the original. My recovery was hell, and it isn't completely over for me, after a year. For heaven's sake, don't experiment with active exercises until told to. That's unthinkable. The results demonstrated here are actually quite good, despite being less than perfect. I still have frustrating, annoying, unpleasant sensations from this, but everything would be worse without the surgery. One commenter was 15 years out and stated that after years, his tendon broke free from the scar tissue. It's the adhesion that I believe is central to all of my post-surgical issues. It's shortening the tendon, which affects the whole hand and has created multiple palm nodes and other problems. If I keep working with it, bending, stretching, applying heat, maybe I will eventually have the big breakthrough. It took a year's work to get some separation, so that I have about twice the range as Mike. It's not much, but it allows me to do a few personal things I couldn't before. It's a big improvement for little unmentionable things, various grooming functions, shampooing, five-finger guitar picking, and other nuances. Keep dedicated to improving your outcome.

Im glad to find your video. Thank you for sharing

My first reaction was…TWO YEARS?!?! I started following you just before, I believe, the accident with your pinkie. Beyond the recovery, you have taught me so much and given me confidence in propagation. I’m 2 years and 9 months post ORIF on my right ankle and you are so right about it being a mind experience. I learned many things about myself, some good some not as good but I’m thankful to God for health and healing!! We are overcomers!! ♥️♥️♥️

Your videos r a big help. I am an artist and depend on my right hand to paint. So right now I am deciding whether to get the surgery or not to the repetitive injury that I have to my left finger next to my pinky😊. I learned that I need to start moving it right away and get a good pt.

Thank you for sharing this!! I severed my same pinky finger in 2019, but the joint below yours (pip). I was told the injury and repair surgery was common, but had a horrible time finding an actual human that had gone through it - not just a journal article or summary on a website. The uncertainty of the whole situation and being patient with the recovery consumed me 24/7. How could such a "little" injury cause so much pain and change in my life?! I had the secondary surgery to remove scar tissue 1 year after the 1st surgery. For anyone curious I would not get the 2nd surgery again. I have seen little improvement from it and believe it was a decision I made in an effort to help my mental struggle. My pinky bends similarly to yours (maybe 90°), but I can't get it to touch my palm when making a fist. I totally agree that you need to be thankful for what you have now because it could always be worse! Best of luck to anyone going through all of this! I am always open to talk about it and thanks again for sharing all of this!! Now, to check out what the original purpose of your channel is. 🤪

Somehow I always end up watching these videos right after I've injured a finger. Woke up three days ago, and my pinky knuckle at my hand was killing me. So now I'm just wrapping it up and hoping for the best.

Glad it has healed well and doesn't have much of an effect on using your hands. We need your skills / videos. Great channel. Take care Kincaid's.👍

Thank you for your input for both fingers, that was super helpful. I too sustained a pinky injury a few months ago. I’m still dealing with parcel extension issues in the middle joint where I fractured it, and I will need to go back to my Ortho surgeon soon to figure out a solution. I’m also back at my box (gym), and it’s a wonderful feeling!! May you and your family have a Merry Christmas! 🎄

Thanks Mike for an update, I was often wondering if you’re back 100% or close to it. Glad to hear that all if more-less fine. I also remember when you guys decided on homeschooling your beautiful girls and wondering how that worked out. With COVID that came upon us shortly after, that decision was probably a blessing, but let us know how the girls are liking it and how they are doing. Xoxo stay safe

Mike, thank you so much for telling your story. No one in the medical realm was telling me anything but get the surgery. After seeing your video I did some research and found that this surgery rarely has a great outcome. I severed my FDP but not my FDS at zone 2 on the left pinky. After the swelling went away and strengthened the FDS, I can't make a tight fist but I can do 99% of what I need to do. I don't have a crooked finger, didn't need to miss work, spend $thousands, go thru any pain. Like you said when this thing happens you just want to be whole again. But surgery or not you never will be and have to accept that. It's a matter of do you want a crooked stiff finger that can sort of close or a straight normal looking finger that can only partially close. When I do need to make a left fist I just tape the pinky to the ring finger and they work as a team just fine. Had I not seen your video I'd probably be in a splint right now suffering for a long time to get a little bit of nothing. It may not be for everyone but for me not getting the surgery was the right move. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for opening up about this Mike. I'm going through this injury right now with my index finger. I slipped on ice in February which would've been fine but I was carrying a heavy speaker cabinet with my fingers curled below the corner. It just about took them off when I landed on the pavement. I went into the E.R. and and they sewed my fingers up and splinted both the index and middle finger. For two weeks I didn't know my tendon had been lacerated. It wasn't until the sutures came out that I'm looking at my hand going "Hey, why can't I move that finger?!" Thinking it was no big deal, I set a meeting with a hand specialist and went back to work. At work I was joking about it thinking "It won't work for a few days and then I'll get a surgery and be good as new". I went to my meeting with the hand surgeon light hearted and believing I would be restored to pre-loss condition. It was crushing to learn within the space of about 5 minutes that my hand would never work properly again. I'm 29, work as an aircraft mechanic and I derive more joy in life from playing piano and drums than perhaps anything else and I don't know if I can do those things effectively anymore. I thought (hoped) the surgeon was a dead beat and immediately took the week off work to get second opinions. To my horror, I discovered the surgeon (despite his lack of bedside manner) was correct. Until watching your video, I was totally committed to doing the most invasive surgery in spite of the many professionals warning that I may not be happy with the result. Now I'm having strong second thoughts. I so appreciate your recording this journey. I've gone back through and watched all your videos on this topic. A few several times. I deeply identify with the emotional side being the rough part and now I'm just trying to decide what to do. The surgery is scheduled for Monday. I can't thank you enough for this.

Hey buddy I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now. Three days ago I cut my big toe off with the lawnmower. For some reason you were one of the first people I thought of, I don’t know why. But life goes on. We all will adjust to our new normals.

Sheesh ! I’m 2 weeks post op from an index extensor tendon surgery, which of course is completely opposite from your injury, I cant extend my finger upward. Still in a splint & in physical therapy but I’m optimistic. You seem like a good guy , good luck 💪🏻

I’ve had four surgeries on my hands. I had two trigger fingers released. Totally successful. I had my pointer finger on my left hand fused because of pain. And the joint was replaced in my ring finger on my left hand. All were successful. I have severe osteoarthritis and my fingers are ugly. I have a wonderful doctor. I’m very lucky and live only 10 miles from the Mayo Clinic. They are the best. And voted the best again I believe. Good luck with your fingers. I think they look awesome compared to my crooked fingers.

It’s my one year pinky tendon shredding anniversary 😌 It’s crooked and immobile at the top phalange but I haven’t experienced any inconveniences, except explaining to the manicure lady that no I can’t straighten it 😅

Hi Mike....so happy to hear you're coming back to your new normal with your fingers. We're all grateful that you didn't lose any! We all need you to educate us! For instance, I tried your method for propagating hydrangeas....it's working. I've got 4 strong ones that show much promise and a couple that should come along eventually. I have a question. If when the weather turns cold, could I continue their growth inside with grow lights? I'd love to have them ready for planting in the spring. Thanks for your transparency...its' so refreshing!

Yes Mike you made me uncomfortable! Within hour of release I watched your video as usual. It reminded me of my both thumbs, both hands in thumb guards, pain and frustration. Not to irritate both, I learned to use them less. At this very moment my right thumb is throbbing. I learned to pacify myself same way as you - At least I have hands. Instead of scaling down, I'm going bigger and bolder in my garden as it makes me happy looking at my flowers (flower junkie🤣). Glad you are recovering well. Yesterday night watched your petunia videos again as I will be preparing mine for overwintering. Thanks for those videos.

In the healing process for my index finger right-hand surgery. It doesn't get folded on the top two joints. :) You are very correct about moving your joints from day one of surgery. my surgeon put the whole hand in a slab and I wasn't allowed to move my finger for 21 days, even I wasn;t allowed to put my hand down 24/7. PS. while going to bed I use to tie my hand with the stick to hold it up. Now It's done. I cant move my really important finger

I'm 3 weeks out from a traumatic work injury on the ulnar side of my wrist. Thankful I found these videos to help calm my head. I sliced my tendons at the wrist for my pinky and ring fingers and the nerve, so it feels like I hit my "funny bone" ALL THE TIME. I start PT in a couple of hours and am real nervous. Lol. Thanks for the videos, Mike.

I been so eager to weightlift I’m 6 weeks through my recovery I cut my pinky and ring finger tendons I appreciate this bro I been thinking about if it won’t ever work the same and it’s kinda stressful

I'm amazed. I've been watching a LOT of your videos and never noticed a problem with that pinky until I saw the video with your hand bandaged. I thought it just happened, then looked at the date and discovered it was 2 years ago. Don't feel self-conscience about the pinky. We watch your videos for your kindness to share your knowledge, not to stare at your pinky. lol

Mother type here. Glad to hear that you are doing better.

The pulley issue is why I clicked on the vid. I’m stuck with facing surgery on my rt ring finger after blowing a couple pulley tendons. My finger is HARD stuck at a 90 degree at the first joint. Have to get donor tendon for the surgery and if I’m not back to at least 85% mobility back in it we’ve already discussed the removal after the first joint… it’s actually caused more damage because of its stuck position getting caught up in things while trying to work. Glad you were able to get yours sorted!!

Hey Mike, wow I have been following you for a while I remember when that happened. Glad that you shared your experiences with your finger. That made me think about when I had my chest sawed open for an emergency heart bypass. some of my friends joke around saying it's still ticking.lm always learning new things. You make me the petunia guy. now my new thing is hearty Hibiscus.

Glad you're recovering. Have you tried comfrey salve? Helichrysum will help with scar tissue. Birch or Wintergreen help unlock the fingers so you can move them. Good luck🍀

I followed you when I lacerated my flexor tendon, pully, zone 2. My pt and range of motion was awesome. No pain. But then I bumped it on a car door and felt a slight snap like sensation. I believe there were two problems, 1. I overworked the tendon in pt, and 2. My splint was remolded and the angle seemed too big. My second surgery was rough. It felt weird. I don't believe I started pt soon enough because they put me in a cast. There was a constant pulling/restriction. It felt like the tip of my pinky was broken. That made it hard to do exercises for the first several weeks. I guess my advice would be to start pt asap after surgery. Do not use hand or do stuff that could stretch the tendon... it will snap. Massage, do exercises and have a positive outlook. My pinky is bent too, but I can do everything and rarely think about it. I accidently stick my pink in my nose when washing my face and shampooing my hair in the shower. 🤣 It sucks big time, but you'll get through it. I believe you're definitely better off with the surgery. I am past my competitive sport days, but I can still play recreational golf and softball. Thank Mike! You really helped me out when I was going through this process. There were very few videos. Now I enjoy learning about gardening. Unfortunately, my pinky is much better than my green thumb. 😂

Wow. I just cut two fingers on Friday. Went to the ER and they sewed me up and caused more damage on one finger. (Middle finger on my right hand. Tip doesn’t work and is numb). I went to a hand surgeon. She wanted to rush me into surgery within two days. I had massive apprehension. Because of my job I had to put off surgery. And was totally depressed thinking I was making a mistake. Instead I went to my acupuncturist. He started the treatment. I’ve already gotten way more movement than I thought I could and it’s only day 6. I also am throwing everything at it, collagen. Gua sha. So all this to say I’m glad I saw your video. Cause I asked all those questions to begin with and the surgeon was speaking down to me like I was not the professional. Good made me decision. Thank u

thanks for the update, I was just wondering last week about your pinkie when you were gesturing in a video.

Climber here - The number of experiences and feelings (physically and mentally) you share with an injured climber is amazing. I have had multiple A2 pulley injuries and am dealing with another one right now. Each previous injury healed and I was able to come back stronger, even without proper PT (uneducated at the time). This time, I'm taking proper steps to recovery and recovery is MUCH faster, even though the injury is the worst of all subsequent injuries. Lots of massage, exercises, stretches, and supplements to get your fingers and pulleys strong again.

Mike,Im sure I speak for all us plant people, We care about you. When ripping roots an doing,use your tools.. Tractor,backhoe ect. Your a cool guy Mike. Have enjoyed following

Thanks for posting these set of videos mate, I wish I never had surgery 8 years ago, my finger doesn't bend at all, I have got use to it, but can be annoying sometimes. I might have to see a physio soon to see if we can get it in a better position.

Just severed my ring finger, 2nd knuckle, and sliced my extensor central slip. My finger is stuck in a curved position, but, fortunately, I am having surgery tomorrow to try and repair it. Fingers crossed, no pun intended.

I'm waiting for my second flexor tendon graft repair - my doctor was very clear that my hand would never be exactly the same again. If I regain most of the use of my hand I will be happy with that. I am looking forward to my second surgery. I have an excellent surgeon.

I put my thumb and pointer finger through the wringer on the washing machine once and couldn't use my hand for about a week, don't know what I did to it cause I didn't go to the doctor. It took about a month and a half to get really better, so I kinda know what you are talking about. You stay safe and keep playing in the dirt, I know I will 😊😊😁😁🤗🤗

I commented just before you had surgery on your pinky as I had the same thing happen to my ring finger about 30 yrs ago. Like yours the end of it is now useless. I’ve learnt to live with it too but I do get concerned sometimes as I catch it on things and don’t want to injure it again. I also wish they’d just taken the end of the finger off I could have invented an amazing story about how I lost it. A shark bit it off perhaps? To make things worse this winter I fell whilst out running and smashed the knuckle of my middle finger on that hand, I didn’t think it was broken so carried on with life albeit in some pain. I should have, in hindsight, gone to the ER as it was broken and it now doesn’t bend correctly and the knuckle is disfigured. Two dud fingers next to each other. So Mike take care of the ones you have left as like me you seem to have a tendency to finger damage. Love the channel keep up the good work.

I've been wondering how the pinky was doing but I didn't want to ask, glad to see you're doing better.

3year update please

I injured my wrist and fingers a few months ago. Found gardening to train them to use again and watched some of your gardening videos, came across this video just now. Wow. My wrist is sort of fixed but my fingers are not really. I still find difficulties using my fingers for soft works.

So glad you are better. I can relate to your decision to not have Docs cut your ring finger. I crushed two metacarpal bones in my left wrist. (fell on the ice) Anyway, they said surgery was necessary and I would lose the use of MY ring finger and possibly middle finger. I said no and started using Chinese bone repair tincture, an ACE bandage, to maintain wrist shape, prayer and massage. At the time, I couldn't open and close my hand. It took 8 months, but I am fine and my fingers work fine now. My wrist has a bit of a dent in it, but works fine.I do not recommend this method for others, but it worked for me--thank God.

Thank you Mike for those GREAT videos! Really wish I had found them 7 months ago it felt lonely wasn't sure how others recovered or if it was just me being slow... Came to same conclusions though (though I was too scared to move my fingers right after surgery because the therapy woman scared the hell out of me by telling me some poor chap had just re-split his tendon repair, 2 weeks after going therapy :O). I did get used to the idea of my stiff crooked fingers in the end as you did. Slightly ruffled that just before the surgery I did put this question to the surgeon: what happens if I decide NOT to have surgery? He actually looked pissed off that I asked, as if I'd wondered about not taking 1 million££ jackpot, then told me I'd not be able to use my fingers for any grip etc... I felt silly for considering it so I followed his advice and in the end, ended up telling my partner several times it'd have been more useful and less stressful to chop the end bit off. For backstory 7 months ago I had a knife accident and severed 3 tendons and 1 nerve in my right hand pinky and index, which are now both a bit crooked and fat (makes great Michael Jackson claws useful for yoga postures though..). Sensitive to cold, and feel stiff when I wake up etc. Made me appreciate my luck at not having a disability in the end. Oh but I have a really great tip for the ladies: Last month I found a fantastic woman on Etsy doing jewellery splints for arthritis finger (easy googleable) which I wear everyday, they help 1) keep my fingers much straighter otherwise my computer work makes them worse during the day 2) protect some weird 'nerve bubble' that formed on my pinky, which shoots unpleasant electric shocks everytime I touch anything. 3) make me feel less worried when I'm on the skateboard as they act as protectors too!! 4) They look amazing women have been asking me where I buy them from without realising they were splints! I also wear sometimes black rubber silicon sheaths I found on amazon that guys like saying I look like some scifi bad ass warrior :D they are great to soften scars which otherwise get super still when it's cold AND keep my fingers warm. Ha yes, last tip, I found doing therapy stretching hands while swimming using water as resistance did really good for improving the range of finger motion and less boring that sitting massaging hands on the sofa. Good luck to all fellow lads and ladies that are going through this, there are many many many of us!

#2 but really I am #1🤣 i am happy you are doing ok! Next time no playing with glass or pulling plants without gloves! But glass is a no, no! Thank you for the update my friend! God bless! Always good to see you! Say hi to Henry....he is slacking in the videos🤣 Hugs to you and your girls🤗❤🤗

Thank you

I’m 6 weeks post op of having both flexor tendons sliced and reattached in my pinky. Before surgery I asked the surgeon “what if I just left my finger alone and lived with it?”. He said the people that did do that ended up having the whole finger removed since the tendon would shorten into the hand and the finger would become so stiff it would never move. I’d rather have a semi usable finger than none at all

6 days ago I accidentally sliced my tendon in my thumb, had the surgery 3 days ago, and it sucks so incredibly much. I'm hoping it will heal and be like it was. But watching your experience through it all does not comfort me lol... Thanks for the videos it was interesting to see the journey

Interesting.... thanks for sharing your experience. I injured my ring finger on my right hand, when I was around 10yrs old, and my finger doesn't bend at the joint closest to the fingernail....And, my fingernail doesn't grow normal, but I'm glad my mom fought with the Drs about amputation . She was against amputation.... but, it was a very very traumatic experience. ps- the finger was crushed in the jam of a door at my elementary school when several boys were playing around, and were pushing the door closed, so we couldn't get out...my hand slipped to the door jam and was crushed....

Know you went through pain, but Praise God 🙌 you still keep on keeping on!! GOD BLESS!!

I wish I could post a picture to show you and the others my matching pinky lol. Thank God mine was on my left hand and I'm right-handed but it happened when I was 12 and it was traumatic to go through. I was really self conscious in school, especially because I had to have a metal rod that stuck out the top of my finger for months. I went through all of that for nothing, my mom paid all that money for nothing... because not long after I accidentally smashed that finger with a textbook and it ripped the tendon again. I still remember being groggy after coming home from surgery and my cat at the time thinking my wrapped up finger was a toy.... yup he bit it. Talk about pain lol. It's really not a big deal for me either. I'm mid 30s now so it's just been that way most of my life, occasionally people notice it and ask me but I just tell them It's an old injury. I'm glad you've pretty much made peace with it. I've definitely learned through that and other traumatic things that it's always best to focus on what you are thankful for 🥰🙏

same as mine, i cut my pinkie finger 15 years ago. now i'm getting used to it.

Mike, I did a shout out of your channel on our live stream today. I too wish I had started active motion on my pinky immediately, or not even had the surgery. Pinkies are only 80 percent successful with flexor tendon surgery, and only 30 percent successful and they take two surgeries!! One to create a sheath putting in a silicone rod, then 6 weeks later they take a tendon out of your arm!!!

The pulley finger injury is a very common rock climber injury. Im a climber. RU-vid is def a great source of knowledge and rehab exercises for pully injury. Surgery is something I would only consider to save my life nothing else.

I injured my "good " arm ugh! I'm thinking it might be tennis elbow or for arm muscles sprain! Does it travel up ur wrist or arm? I did get a boxers fracture in my hand several years ago, maybe all connected

My pinkie and ring finger tendon got cut one month ago.. I did the surgery, it’s on the base of the finger. Now the finger and part of the palm still numb and swollen.. Thanks for the video, at least I know what I can expect.

Thanks for the update. I assume you didn't go for the second surgery

I had a severed FDP in 2020 in my little finger. Required surgery and lots of rehab. My finger is fine-ish now. Stiff but it works.

Hey man! I had a nearly identical accident 4 weeks ago on my right pinky. I have the exact same amount of movement as you, and am really trying to find a good path to take to set my self up for the future. I’m 22 years old and use my hands 16 hours of the day, I am a woodworker and industrial designer, which means I need a lot of fine motor control to type & design/make intricate cuts and such! Honesty I have many questions and would love some insight. I’m pretty early in the recovery process and have a lot of anxiety about the future of my hand. Is there any way I could get a hold of you for some conversation? I would love an email thread, or even a FaceTime call if you would be up for it! Anyways, thanks a ton for documenting your healing process so diligently, you’ve helped me sleep at night more than anyone else has been able to. Keep your great attitude and don’t let your injuries hold you back!

Sports Medicine 101: First response: I.C.E, Shortly there after: use it or loose it. Surgeons are not into rehab, just repair. That said one year I destroyed the sagital band on my middle finger (right hand of course, because if you're going to injure yourself doing something silly, I was brushing a caterpillar off my arm, go big) Could not take the time off from work (I'm a software programmer) so taped the finger to the ring finger and a Popsicle stick and typed with one hand for over a month. For me it turned out for the best. Finger is still wonky when I bend it, but I saved time, money, and it's 99% usable, just falls to the right when I bend it.

Hi mike! Had the same injury on the same finger. Had surgery now have severe scar tissue leaving me with a really crooked finger. Were you recommended a surgery for contracted joint to straighten the finger?

i got cut in my right hand middle finger and i went into surgery agin i got same injury within month boz of right middel finger i feel very bad i can't hold any thing with that finger now what can i do

I injured my ring finger and little finger 7 weeks ago my ring finger moves a little and nothing on the little one I was just wondering when you got your grip back on your hand I’m a mechanic and I’m worried I won’t be able to hold a wrench in my hand thank for the videos.

I cut the tendon on the top of my right hand ring finger on the middle knuckle I have no gripping issues but it doesn't completely straighten out didn't realize I cut the tendon until it healed never had surgery after I realized what I did it made sense why it was so painful it wasn't a very deep cut apparently tendons are not very far from the skin surface this was 25 year's ago never even think about it anymore.

So sorry for you i have same thing with m'y index Litlle bite worse but i recognize how i feel when you talk about it

Hey my bro, thanks for you up load. Long story short. cut my index I'm at three month mark. Have you considered corrective surgery because I am do you have any thoughts

Wonder how the wax hand dipping thing would have helped with the hands seizing up. Because my rheumatologist has told me to get one at one point to help with arthritis in my hands. Still haven't lol cool video so far I haven't been able to watch all of it yet.

I have the exact same 2 injury’s !

I am 16 years old and I accidentally cut myself with a knife on December 27th 2022 and ended lacerating my flexor tendon… I knew something was wrong my parents thought it was fine so they didn’t take my to the hand surgeon long story short I’m now recovering from a surgery where the doctor excised the balled up scarred tendon tissue and pully and now I will most likely not be able to move the tip of my finger for the rest of my life, it’s a tough thing to wrap my head around and it’s still not wrapped around it but you’ve helped my through this.

8:45 I couldn't agree more. My "hand therapist" - complete waste of time btw - put my pinky in a custom heat infused splint post K wire surgery and I was instructed not to move it. Unsurprisingly my pinky healed in the exact shape of the splint. I'm now left with mallet finger in my dip joint of left hand. I do also believe we should be working/moving those tendons sooner. After seeing your video I've confirmed surgery isn't a good option. Going to try a spring loaded splint and exercises, but with the amount of scar tissue at the top of my last knuckle (DIP joint), and the mallet angle it feels like a lost cause. I will learn to psychologically accept and embrace my dolphin finger. sucks as a guitar player! Thanks for your video, Mike. Cheers

I cant believe it's been 2 years already

Hey Mike, How's the water surplus in your area. There's been plenty of flack about rivers drying up and other water resources. How's your area?

Mike, I'm away for a little while and that's what happens! 😱 I missed the ring finger episodes. 😏 When I first started working as a massage therapist, with chiropractors specifically, I noticed a little nodule had developed on the palm of my left hand, right at the base joint of the ring finger. It was uncomfortable almost to the point of pain. The first couple of times it appeared I was thinking, 'what the (bleep) is this?' It appeared to be mobile, as I could maneuver it around a bit and wondered if it was a bone chip cuz it seemed solid. It wasn't pleasant but I massaged it and it would 'go away' only to reappear at another time. After a few times I realized it was the origin of the tendon that had been mobilized and inflamed from repetitive deep tissue techiques I would use on patients__after which I modified and minimized future issues. I also implemented specific arm, hand and finger exercises to strengthen and improve flexibility and muscle memory to prevent future injuries__no 'equipment' necessary. 'Worked like a charm'! On another note, for anyone doing work where the probabitity of injury is more prominent, here is [my] list of basic items to have in a 'first-aid kit': - peroxide for cleaning/disinfecting, - as antiseptic, you may not believe this but, good ole amber Listerine mouthwash, works wonders__anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, also, disinfectant, ** Case in point: Mike (& others reading this), remember my indoor fig tree(Marcus) I 'saved' from total annihilation a couple of years ago? Well, we adopted a kitten recently who apparently likes digging in my planters and one day I discovered he used Marcus' pot as a litterbox, AAAAAHHH! After all I'd done to keep this tree from dying out in the first place! I removed it from the 5gal. pot, discarded all soil, removed as much soil from the roots, rinsed them under the faucet until they were as clean as possible then, I filled a large bowl with tepid water, a bit of dish detergent and, in desperation, a small amount of the magic ingredient, 'Listerine'. I carefully swished the roots in the concoction until I felt they were 'disinfected', rinsed again, and blotted them with paper towels__then, I trimmed them back a little cuz the only empty pot I had was a lot smaller than the one it had been in__finally, replanted in fresh Dr. Earth with extra pumice. Mike, after a little patience and 'loving vibes' it is amazing how BEAUTIFUL Marcus is coming back__he's a 'trooper'! Just goes to show ya, 'crazy shit' can sometimes create miracles! 💎🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿💖 I even use Listerine on a sponge as a last wipe for the pots, potting and trimming tools! Back to my first-aid list: - arnica cream/lotion, cream/lotion with ivy extract, Tiger Balm, or any of those types for bruises and muscle aches and pain, - your 'go to' OTC anti-inflammatory, - raw, unfiltered honey (Manuka, even more powerful) for any and all scrapes, cuts, gashes and wounds__cells' main source of fuel and repair is glucose, honey also has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, among other, properties that help heal with minimum to zero scarring, works like magic, - bandages of various sizes, including for wrapping, - and one more 'you may not believe this' item, tiny tube of "super glue"__if you cut yourself with a sharp knife, etc. and the edges can be placed together evenly super glue is the best "invisible" bandage because it will keep the cut closed long enough to 'mend' while wearing off after a couple or few days. Just remember it's for the surface of skin, not for inside the cut! Use your honey, then use super glue while holding edges together. - B vitamins, especially B-2 and B-3 for tendon/ligament repair, - vit. C for general cell repair, (you can even make your own 'natural' sunscreen by mixing C powder with "pure" aloe vera gel.) - collagen and biotin for connective tissue repair, - and for broken bones, organicly grown and prepared comfrey salve ("knit bone"). Remember, these items are "first aid"__our bodies are designed to repair in "real time" so, the first 24hrs. are critical if medical care is warranted otherwise the injury site may not repair properly__therefore, these are things you'd want to do asap for the best possible outcome. As an add-on, unless you are bleeding from a deep gash or wound or have broken bones, it's highly benficial to 'massage' the affected area(s) asap to help 'jump start' the healing process and, in cases such as yours, Mike (and others), break up scar tissue afterward. Sorry for the 'book'__I appreciate you sharing with us all the benefit of your experiences, Mike, and was compelled to 'chime in'. 😹 Thanks for all the updates and progression with your gardens and nursery! Love, Light, and Blessings to All. 🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌🙌🙌😺

Did you ever get it ultrasounded? Sounds like the repair may have ruptured/failed instead of adhesions? I’m going through the same with a right index finger FDP, which I ruptured the first repair. I’m now on a 2 stage graft plan. The scar tissue is crazy but is isolated between the 2 joints in the middle finger. Working hard to soften it so I have better passive ROM. Thankfully in Canada so no cost just a lot of mental health stress!!! Crazy! Glad to see you’re in a better mindset now and the finger is what it is!

I'm growing 2avocado pits they're 12" tall already and the leaves r turning yellow I have them under a grow light they were doing fine till 4 days ago they showed yellow leaves could u give me a few pointers on them

Did you notice any numbness or feel like your fingers or asleep months after your surgery? I’m at 12 weeks now and my baby finger is exactly like yours but my other fingers feel numb it comes and goes

About 5 days ago I just nailed my top knuckle on my pointer fingeron a can lid It bled , deep enough to see white. Idk if I see it or thought I see it but instantly put bleed stop powder in it wrapped it and now still haven’t seen the VA but can move the top

I cut also same last 3 fingers last 4 months ago. Should I go to doctor? Who know about fingers veins specialist.

Fingers are quite delicate and easy to injur. You'll only realize this when you get a injury that affects your daily life and hobbies. It's true that many injuries can get better with rest and proper physical theraphy and surgery is the last resort. My handsurgeon said the same thing. I myself have a very rare syndrome on my right hands index finger called lateral band snapping syndrome. It's very rare and the problem is that surgery could help it or make the finger stiff and even worse. Also there aren't many excercises for the syndrome so it's kinda problematic. It's my trigger finger so it's even worse really, shooting with handguns is kinda challenging.

Man, I fractured my pinky in the proximal phalanx area a year ago and the surgeon never fixed it at all! Didn’t realign it or even give me a splint. Just said you should buddy tape it!. It healed with a malrotation and malunion. I’ve still been debating after a year to do surgery as it’s all healed now. What sucks is I’m a guitar player. And it’s a lot more difficult to play the guitar. Most other surgeons just advised me it’s to much of a risk to go in there and resaw through it and pin it in the proper position. Wish I had a gazing ball to see if it would end up better or worse. I have decent mobility but man oh man it put me in the biggest suicidal depression of my life. Everyone thinks ohhh it’s just a pinky. But the pinky is so important for guitar. Sucks so badly. My finger has a hyper extension. So my grip is off and it feels so whack

Hi Mike! I've watched all your videos on this. I just had surgery for this same finger. I cut mine more on the inside side though and got two tendons and nerves. I'm nervous about the fact that my doctor plans to keep my hand in a cast for almost two weeks. My surgeon is a man of few words but I've heard wonderful things about him so I can only hope there's good reason to keep my cast on that long. I noticed in your comments to others how you stress early mobilization. Any advice for when I do start PT?

Brother how much time the scar is in pain .and please tell me after how much time the pain in a scar goes away.

Thanks for posting these videos i didnt have a surgery i got a cut on my palm and got stitches since this injury my finger stopped bending😢😢😢 its so frustrating and sad for me 😔😔😔 i cant sleep at all since this happened.. it happened 5 days ago 😔😔 i think i cut my tendon real bad ... my whole pointing finger has gone numb and straight its not working at all

Hi Mike, I hope you're doing well. I fell down our stairs 10 weeks ago and and sliced open my pinky when I grabbed the bannister. Knocked myself out, shoulder Knocked out the joint. It was an impressive fall! Got 6 stitches in my pinky. Stitches were removed and the wound healed ok. However it was sore to touch so I wrapped it in coban wrap. Apparently that was the worst thing I could have done because I can't bend it. It's totally straight! It looks like scar tissue has glued to the tendons. I have an emergency appointment next week at orthopedics and I'm terrified I'll need surgery to remove scar tissue. 😑 Is this similar surgery to what you had? Many thanks.