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Tendonitis and Tendon Release Treatment in Portland Metro

At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, Dr. Tina Jenq, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon provides expert care for tendonitis and tendon release hand problems in the Portland Metro Area. We help patients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Gresham, and West Linn regain comfort and movement of the hands.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis happens when a tendon becomes irritated or swollen. This can cause pain, stiffness, or catching during movement. Common types involving the hand include trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Trigger finger causes the finger to lock or click when you bend it. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, making gripping painful.

Treatment Options: Steroid Injections

One option is a steroid injection. This includes a mix of steroid and numbing medicine injected around the tendon. The goal is to reduce swelling and irritation where the tendon rubs or catches.

You may need to rest the area for a day, but can usually return to normal activity soon. It may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effect.

Steroid injections are usually limited to two per tendon. More than that could increase the risk of tendon rupture.

When to Consider Tendon Release Surgery

If steroid injections don’t help, or if your symptoms are severe, we may suggest surgery. In tendon release surgery, the tight pulley causing the catching is divided. This gives the tendon more room to move freely without pain.

The surgery is usually quick, and recovery is straightforward. Many people feel better shortly after and return to good functional use in just a few weeks.

Why Choose Dr. Tina Jenq?

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with hand and tendon expertise.
  • Thoughtful treatment focused on your unique condition.
  • Skilled in both non-surgical and surgical options.
  • Clear communication before, during, and after treatment.

Schedule Your Tendon Care Consultation

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or clicking in your hand or wrist, contact us today. Dr. Jenq will help you understand your options and feel better with the right care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my scar look like?

There will be stitches that you can see along the surgical scar which is usually removed after 2 weeks.  You will find that the scar will go through a period of firmness and red coloration at the one to three month mark.  Thereafter, it will start to soften and fade over the course of six months.

How long does it take to recover?

Typically, people may have some pain such that they need to take pain pills for one to three days.  Thereafter, the discomfort level drops quite a bit and you should be able to use your hand for light activities such as writing, eating, and light typing.  At six weeks, you will be able to start using your hand for heavy grasping, lifting, deep stretching exercises.

Do you perform Xiaflex injections for Dupuytren's disease?

We do not perform collagenase injections of the hand.  We treat Dupuytren's disease surgically with removal of dense cords that are causing severe tethering and stiffness of the fingers.