HomeAnswersGeneral Practitionernerve damageCan pain after a stab injury indicate nerve damage?

Does pain and restriction of movements in the thumb a few months after a stab injury indicate nerve or tendon damage?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 27, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am an adult female. Four months back I accidentally stabbed my thumb with a broken glass ornament. The wound was relatively small but it looked a bit deep and I could see the inside of my thumb through the wound. As of today, there is no scarring, it looks like it has healed but there is a lot of pain when I bend my thumb. I cannot use my thumb much because the area of the wound hurts with any type of activity. Writing, picking up things, and bending or pushing on the thumb hurts. I am having pain for almost three months. I think by now there should be no pain in my thumb as it has healed completely, but there is pain. I am not sure what is the issue. Could there have been nerve or tendon damage?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. I am sorry to hear about your thumb injury. It sounds like you may have developed some complications from the wound. Even if the wound appeared to have healed on the surface, there could still be damage to the underlying tissues that have not fully healed yet. The pain you are experiencing when you use your thumb could be due to nerve damage or inflammation caused by the injury. Nerves can take a long time to heal, and it is not uncommon to experience pain or sensitivity for several months after an injury. I would recommend you see a hand specialist to get a proper evaluation. They can examine your thumb and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to determine the extent of the damage. They may also recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in your thumb. In the meantime, try to avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort, and consider using a splint or brace to support your thumb while it heals. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as tablet Ibuprofen or tablet Acetaminophen, to help manage the pain. Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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