What happens if you cut a nerve in your thumb?

Because the nerve lies within a protective canal, if the nerve is cut or broken, while the canal remains intact, it is possible that the nerve fibers will grow back eventually, but if the canal is also severed, then surgical intervention is necessary to repair the damage.

Can a deep cut cause nerve damage?

When a cut is particularly deep, you are more likely to have damaged the tendons and nerves in your hand and require hand nerve surgery. While some nerve injuries can heal on their own, for the most severe cuts, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex nerve reconstruction can be critical to recovery.

What does a numb thumb indicate?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of thumb numbness. It’s caused by the compression of a nerve that runs through your wrist bones. Arthritis, bone spurs, and overuse of the wrist can all cause this compression.

How can you tell if you cut a nerve in your finger?

Nerve damage can render you unable to use your fingers to the maximum. You might also experience minor symptoms such as twitching, tingling, burning, pain, and numbness. Other symptoms indicating damage of nerve in the finger can include weakness, increased sensitivity, and paralysis among others.

Will a cut nerve heal itself?

Damage to nerves may result in reduction or a complete loss of sensation, weakness and dry skin. When one of your nerves is cut or damaged, it will try to repair itself. The nerve fibres (axons) shrink back and ‘rest’ for about a month; then they begin to grow again. Axons will regenerate about 1mm per day.

How do you tell if you cut a tendon in your thumb?

Signs and symptoms of a cut tendon

  1. An inability to bend one or more joints of the finger.
  2. Pain when you bend your finger.
  3. An open injury, such as a cut, on the palm side of the hand, particularly in the joint area where the skin folds as the finger bends.
  4. Mild swelling over the joint closest to your fingertip.

Can a deep cut heal without stitches?

A laceration is a cut through the skin. This will usually require stitches if it’s deep or wide open. However, if a laceration remains open for too long, the risk of infection increases. In your case, too much time has passed since the cut happened.

How do you treat a numb thumb?

How is finger numbness treated? Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medication to reduce inflammation. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Another option is wearing a brace or splint.

Can your thumb go numb from writing?

Numbness often feels like it is in the entire hand even though it’s in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Numbness starts while writing, driving, sewing, holding a book or newspaper or when typing.

How do you tell if you have cut a nerve?

The signs of nerve damage

  1. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
  2. Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock.
  3. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
  4. Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.
  5. Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  6. A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.

Is numbness around a cut normal?

Numbness from the Cut Itself: some people have numbness after getting a cut. There is numbness just along the edges of the wound. This is from cutting nearby tiny nerves at the same time. Numbness can last 1-3 weeks.

Can a cut in the finger cause numbness?

These nerves can be injured with cuts anywhere along the length of the finger. Numbness occurs on the same side of the finger as the cut. The finger will still be able to move unless a tendon has also been injured. Finger nerves that have been cut require surgical repair.

What are the symptoms of a cut finger?

Your symptoms may depend on whether nerves, tendons, or deeper tissues were injured. You may have any of the following: A cut, tear, or gash in your finger Bleeding, swelling, or pain Numbness or tingling in your finger Trouble moving your finger

What causes a deep cut in your finger?

A finger laceration is a deep cut in your skin. It is often caused by a sharp object, such as a knife, or blunt force to your finger.

When to see a doctor for numbness in the palm of your hand?

See Hand Doc: Since the palm is a functional surface, numbness is an important symptom. If can indicate nerve damage, and certain nerves need repair by a hand specialist. Usually can be dealt with within the days following the original injury.