No Sensation of Pain from a Deep Cut?
Greetings, About 50 hours ago, I sustained a significant laceration on the palm of my hand, just below the thumb, which I believe happened as a result of a sharp knife that dropped. The cut is approximately 3 to 5 millimeters deep. Instead of piercing straight down, the knife angle was diagonal, likely preventing it from penetrating deeper into the tissues. While there was a considerable amount of bleeding initially, I managed to control it. Three hours later, when I attempted to reapply a proper dressing, I experienced more bleeding as I moved the hand. Strangely enough, I'm feeling a bit anxious about the situation. The healing process appears to be progressing exceptionally well; there’s no swelling, no redness, and notably, no pain at all. I’ve been keeping the wound secured with butterfly bandages continuously. What concerns me is the absence of any pain since the incident. It’s as if the cut isn’t even there. Only when I move it awkwardly do I feel some cramping in another part of my hand, but nothing near the injury itself. For context, I’m a healthy 27-year-old male. Thank you for your insights in advance!
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 8:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s good to hear that your wound is healing well and that you are feeling generally fine. However, your concern about the complete absence of pain from a significant cut is understandable.
Main Points:
- Lack of pain from a deep cut can be normal, but it's essential to monitor for changes.
- Proper wound care and observation are critical in this situation.
Explanation:
When you sustain a deep cut, especially in areas like the palm, the nerves that usually signal pain may sometimes be damaged or not functioning properly right away. A lack of pain does not always indicate a problem, particularly if there are no other concerning symptoms like swelling, increased redness, or persistent bleeding. The cramping you feel when moving your hand is likely unrelated to the cut itself and might be due to muscle tension or strain.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Caring for the Wound:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Change your dressing regularly to avoid infection.
- If you notice increasing redness, swelling, or pus, these could be signs of infection, and you'll need to take action.
-
Monitor Sensation:
- Keep an eye on your ability to feel sensations around the cut. Test the area gently with a light touch. If there are areas where you still feel no sensation or if you experience unusual numbness, note those changes.
-
Watch for Pain or Changes:
- Stay observant for any changes in your hand's condition, particularly if you suddenly start to feel pain that wasn’t present before. If the pain develops or worsens, take that as a sign to get further evaluation.
-
Rest Your Hand:
- Avoid using the hand too much in the days following the injury to minimize further strain and allow for healing.
-
Stay Calm:
- Anxiety about injuries is common. Finding ways to manage this anxiety—like light exercise, deep breathing, or talking about it with friends—can be helpful.
If at any point things change—if the wound doesn’t appear to be healing properly or you start experiencing pain—seek medical advice promptly. You're doing a great job caring for your injury, so continue to monitor and take care of yourself!
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!