Nutritional Guidance for Recovery from Median Nerve Injury in Children

Diet for Partial Injury of the Median Nerve

On December 1, 2019, at 18:15, my son, who was born on June 9, 2018, sustained a laceration to his left wrist from a blade, resulting in a torn tendon and partial rupture of the median nerve.
He underwent surgery under general anesthesia at the emergency room of China Medical University Hospital, where the ligament was reattached.
His hand function is now normal, but we are concerned about potential long-term effects on hand function.

Recently, my 2.1-year-old son pointed to the sutured area on his left wrist and said it hurts.
Today, we visited the original surgeon, who stated that everything appears normal.
The doctor suggested that the pain might be due to scar adhesion.
Therefore, we can help him with gentle pressure massage on the scar at home, continue applying scar gel (effective for one year), and assist him in moving his wrist up and down to soften the adhesion.
We will return to the plastic surgeon at China Medical University for a follow-up in six months.

Since he is still quite young, he will need to attend preschool before he can follow the physical therapist's instructions for rehabilitation.
After that, he can go to other hospitals or clinics for physical therapy, and he is not able to cooperate with acupuncture, so there is no need to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at this time.

I would like to ask what additional nutrients or foods can help accelerate his recovery.
Thank you.

Xiao Duola, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/20

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! It's important to have a sufficient caloric intake and a balanced diet, while avoiding spicy foods, fried foods, sweets, and pickled items.
Please assist with rehabilitation exercises to maintain hand function and range of motion.
Before starting the exercises, you can apply some lotion for a gentle massage to warm up the area, and then proceed with the movements.
After rehabilitation, provide encouragement.
If you have any concerns regarding rehabilitation, I recommend taking the child to a rehabilitation specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
The rehabilitation team can also teach you some exercises that can be done at home.

Reply Date: 2020/07/20

More Info

When it comes to the recovery from a median nerve injury, especially in children, nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting healing and overall recovery. Given the situation of your child, who has undergone surgery for a median nerve injury and is experiencing some discomfort, it is important to focus on a balanced diet that promotes tissue repair and nerve health.

Nutritional Recommendations:
1. Protein-Rich Foods: Protein is essential for tissue repair and muscle recovery. Ensure that your child consumes adequate amounts of protein from sources such as lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), eggs, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), legumes (beans, lentils), and nuts. For a child, aiming for a variety of these sources can help meet their protein needs.

2. Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can support nerve health. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Avocados and olive oil are also great sources of healthy fats that can aid in overall recovery.

3. Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is crucial for nerve health and repair. Sources include fish, meat, dairy, and fortified cereals. If your child is not getting enough from food, a pediatrician may recommend a supplement.

- Vitamin C: Important for collagen formation and tissue repair, vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.

- Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for bone health and can be obtained from sunlight exposure, fortified foods, and fatty fish. If your child has limited sun exposure, consider discussing vitamin D supplementation with a healthcare provider.

- Zinc: This mineral plays a role in wound healing and can be found in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy, and whole grains.

4. Hydration: Ensure your child stays well-hydrated, as proper hydration is vital for overall health and can aid in recovery. Encourage water intake and include hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.

5. Avoid Processed Foods: Minimize the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages, as these can contribute to inflammation and may hinder recovery. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Additional Recovery Strategies:
- Physical Therapy: Once your child is old enough to follow instructions, engaging in physical therapy will be crucial. A therapist can provide tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function in the affected hand.

- Scar Management: As mentioned, gentle massage and the use of silicone gel for scar management can help reduce discomfort and improve the appearance of scars. Regularly monitoring the scar and consulting with a healthcare provider if issues arise is important.

- Monitoring Pain: If your child continues to experience pain or discomfort, it’s essential to communicate this with their healthcare provider. Pain can be a sign of complications or issues that may need further evaluation.

Conclusion:
In summary, a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals will support your child's recovery from a median nerve injury. It’s also important to combine nutritional support with appropriate rehabilitation strategies to maximize recovery outcomes. Always consult with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your child's specific needs and circumstances.

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