Hi Kathy. The Palanges in the hand are the bones to the fingers. A Tendon is the fibre that attaches to the muscle allowing the muscle to react causing a joint to bend (Flex) and stretch (Extend) A Phalange Tendon is the Fibre that is Attached to the muscles that cause the fingers to Bend and Strech. When you have Tendonitis, this means that you have stressed the tendon for whatever reason, yours possibly could be, stress because you worked your hand too hard too soon after surgery, not due to the surgery itself, and it has become inflamed/swollen and sensitive. The best cure for this is rest, especially after surgery. If you see your doctor or pharmacist, they mabe able to direct you to a soothing balm.