Injury Update: Needle Pricked My Finger Nearly Two Weeks Ago – Persistent Pain and Numbness
Using a different account since my main one is verified. 🤦🏽 I identify as a 33-year-old non-binary individual assigned female at birth, and I administer 0.2 mL of testosterone cypionate (200 mg) through subcutaneous injections on a weekly basis. Last Monday (August 11th), while preparing for my injection, I accidentally knocked my vial and uncapped syringe, equipped with an 18-gauge needle, off the counter. Reacting instinctively, I reached out to catch them before they fell. In the process, the needle pierced my right index finger at an angle between the middle and upper knuckle. The needle came out on its own as I jerked my hand back, and it wasn't until I saw blood on both sides that I acknowledged I had sustained an entry and exit wound. Without hesitation, I cleaned the wound, applied a bandage, and proceeded with my injection. I expected some discomfort but did not foresee that it would still be painful to apply any pressure to the area nearly two weeks later, along with a persistent tingling sensation in the tip of my finger. Is it advisable for me to seek medical attention, or should I simply wait it out, potentially considering it as nerve damage that might not require intervention? The needle was untouched aside from its contact with the top and interior of the testosterone vial prior to my mishap, so I haven't been overly concerned about tetanus. However, I've recently begun experiencing some facial muscle twitches (similar to an eyelid twitch but affecting my upper lip and chin), leading me to question if there's a cause for alarm or if I'm merely overreacting. I'm fairly confident that I've received a tetanus vaccination within the last ten years, and given that the needle was clean, I suspect my anxiety might be exaggerating the situation. Thanks for any insights – I feel a bit foolish for having to raise this question. With my background in kitchens, one would think I'd have learned the lesson about not reaching for falling objects!
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 2:51:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent pain and tingling in your finger after a needle prick, along with some concerning facial muscle twitches. These symptoms can be unsettling, but let's break down what's happening and how you might want to proceed.
Main Points:
- Lingering Pain and Numbness: Almost two weeks of pain and tingling may indicate nerve irritation or a minor injury that needs attention.
- Facial Muscle Twitches: These can stem from various causes, including anxiety, stress, or even nerve-related issues.
- Tetanus Consideration: If you’re within your vaccination timeframe and believe the needle was clean, the risk of tetanus is likely low.
Explanation:
The pain and persistent tingling in your finger may arise from a few different factors, such as:
- Nerve Injury: The needle could have caused minor nerve irritation, leading to ongoing discomfort and numbness.
- Home Care Effectiveness: You did well by cleaning the wound and applying a bandage, but if symptoms are worsening or not improving, further evaluation may be warranted.
As for the muscle twitches, while they can often relate to anxiety and can be benign, it’s essential to monitor their frequency and any potential connections with your finger injury.
Next Steps:
Here’s a prioritized list of what to do next:
-
Monitor Symptoms: For the next few days, keep track of any changes in the pain and tingling in your finger and the frequency or severity of your facial twitches. Note if they improve or worsen.
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Gentle Motion: Ensure you are gently moving your finger to promote circulation but avoid any activities that exacerbate pain.
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Ice and Rest: Apply ice to the affected finger to reduce any swelling if you notice it, and rest the area as much as possible.
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Consider Anxiety Management: If anxiety about the injury is contributing to muscle twitching, consider stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises.
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Medical Consultation: If symptoms persist beyond the next few days without improvement, or if you experience increasing severity or additional neurological symptoms (weakness, persistent twitching, or numbness elsewhere), seeking medical attention for a potential nerve evaluation is advisable.
Finally, don’t feel foolish for asking this question. It's important to prioritize your health and well-being. If you have any further concerns or questions, feel free to reach out for additional support or clarification.
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