Numbness in the Finger After Stitches: Understanding the Cause and Treatment
Many individuals may experience numbness in their fingers after undergoing medical procedures such as getting stitches. This question arises frequently in medical forums: 'I had lidocaine injected into my finger almost 2 weeks ago before getting stitches but the tip of my finger is still numb. Is that normal?' In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind finger numbness and provide guidance on how to address it.
Causes of Finger Numbness After Stitches
The numbness you are experiencing in your finger is not due to the lidocaine. Lidocaine typically wears off within a few hours and is not to blame for the prolonged numbness. Instead, the cause of the numbness is the damage to the nerve from the injury to your thumb that occurred before the lidocaine was administered.
During an injury, the nerve may be damaged, and in some cases, the nerve may not fully recover. Nerve recovery can take several weeks to months, and in some cases, it may not return at all. The nerve will attempt to regrow, but if it encounters too much scar tissue, it may not be able to regrow properly and provide sensory function.
Keys to Understanding Finger Numbness
1. Nerve Damage
The injury itself caused damage to the nerve, and even with stitches, the numbness may persist. Cutting or damaging a nerve during the procedure would result in prolonged numbness. If the stitches were placed incorrectly, they could trap a nerve, further contributing to the numbness. Discuss the issue with your doctor to determine the extent of the nerve damage and potential treatment options.
2. Time Frame and Recovery
Two weeks is considered a short time for nerve recovery; however, the recovery time can vary significantly depending on the extent of the injury. If the nerve damage is significant, it may take longer for the sensation to return. If the injury was closer to the tip of the finger, recovery may be faster.
3. Lidocaine Injection vs. Nerve Damage
The lidocaine injection did not cause the numbness; it is the nerve damage from the injury that is responsible. Your doctor may have used a local or digital block, which would explain the initial numbing effect. If your stitches have been removed and the numbness persists, it is important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Common Sense and Professional Advice
If the numbness does not resolve on its own, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Monitor the Numbness
Wait a few more weeks for the numbness to resolve on its own. It may take several months for full recovery. If the numbness becomes more severe or accompanied by other symptoms, contact your doctor.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If the numbness is bothersome and does not improve within a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. They can perform additional tests to determine if there is nerve damage and discuss treatment options.
3. Manage Expectations
Even in rare cases where a nerve is damaged during an injection like lidocaine, there is little that can be done beyond waiting for the nerve to heal. Proper healing takes time, and it is important to be patient during the recovery process.
Personal Experiences and Considerations
It is worth noting that sometimes, individuals have sustained nerve damage from frostbite, as in the case of someone who has had tips of their fingers with no feeling for nearly 50 years. They have adapted to this condition, and it does not significantly impact their daily lives. However, if the numbness is new and alarming, it is best to consult a medical professional.
In conclusion, finger numbness after stitches can be a sign of nerve damage from the initial injury. Proper follow-up with your doctor and understanding the recovery process can help manage this condition effectively.