One Month Post-Finger Injury: Persistent Tenderness and Mild Discomfort
On February 26, I accidentally struck my right ring finger against a piece of metal, resulting in a significant cut to the knuckle. After receiving four stitches, I focused on maintaining cleanliness and proper dressings. The stitches remained in place for 13 days before I returned to the doctor for removal. Upon taking out the stitches, my doctor applied steri-strips, although I had used Neosporin earlier that day, which prevented the strips from adhering well. Following his advice, I continued to apply band-aids for an additional three to four days. Now, a month has passed since the incident. Although most of the swelling has subsided, some remains. I’m able to bend my finger nearly completely, but there’s still a twinge of pain when I fully contract it. I’ve noticed that when I accidentally bump it against objects—a frequent occurrence—it causes sharp discomfort. Thankfully, there's no visible redness or warmth, suggesting there's no infection. Given this situation, should I be worried, or does this seem like a typical part of the healing process for a knuckle injury?
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 4:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing typical post-injury symptoms, including tenderness and mild discomfort, which can be common after a cut to the knuckle. While you are healing well and there are no signs of infection, some residual swelling and pain can persist for weeks or even months as the tissue recovers.
Explanation
After an injury like yours, the healing process can vary significantly between individuals. While swelling is decreasing and you can almost fully bend your finger, the remaining pain during full contraction and sensitivity to bumps could be a sign of normal soft tissue healing or possibly mild scar tissue formation. The absence of redness and warmth is reassuring and suggests that an infection is unlikely.
Next Steps
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Gentle Movement: Continue to gently exercise your finger to improve mobility, as this encourages healing. Use a range of motion exercises without forcing it.
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Cold Compress: If swelling persists, apply a cold compress to your finger for 10-15 minutes a few times a day to help reduce any lingering swelling.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort if needed. Always follow the package instructions for dosage.
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Protection: When engaging in activities that might bump your finger, consider using a padded bandage or tape for extra cushioning.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next couple of weeks. If you notice increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth, or if the discomfort persists or worsens, seeking further medical attention would be warranted.
It's good to be cautious post-injury, but based on your description, it seems like your body is healing. Keep track of your symptoms and adjust your activities accordingly. Let me know if you have further concerns!
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