“Will my finger recover?”
Male | 23 years old
Complaint duration: 32 days so far since the surgery
Medications: anti-edma/anti-fibrosis
Conditions: None


3 Answers
HandSurgeonHandSurgeonYour situation 4 weeks post flexor digitorum profundus FDP tendon repair with persistent swelling, stiffness, and numbness is not uncommon, but it does need careful monitoring.
Here are a few key points
Swelling and stiffness are typical after tendon repair, especially in the first 68 weeks. The purplish discoloration can be part of the normal healing process.
Numbness from swelling pressure on nerves can happen, but prolonged numbness should be monitored closely.
Scar tissue formation often limits motion after tendon surgery this is why early controlled motion as your therapist guides is critical.
Youre still early in the recovery timeline most patients dont see meaningful bendingflexion for 612 weeks, depending on the case.
However
If swelling isnt improving or is worsening, or numbness continues beyond 68 weeks, it could signal excessive scar tissue or nerve compression that may need further intervention.
Keep communicating openly with your surgeon and hand therapist they may adjust your therapy or consider further treatment like scar management or even surgical release later if needed.
Youre right to be proactive. Full tendon healing and motion recovery often take 36 months with consistent therapy.
If you want, I can explain typical recovery milestones or scar management techniques to discuss with your therapist.