Numbness After Finger Injury: Which Specialist to See?

Finger issues

Last week, I accidentally cut my left hand index finger behind the second joint with a kitchen knife while working.
It took about 5 minutes to stop the bleeding.
After the wound healed, I noticed a small area of skin in front of the cut that has no sensation, similar to being under local anesthesia.
This condition has persisted for about a week.
I would like to know which medical specialty would be most helpful for this situation.

yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/26

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! If you have injured a superficial nerve, taking vitamin B12 can promote wound healing, and there is no need to seek medical attention.
Stay safe! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2024/01/26

More Info

After experiencing a finger injury, particularly one that involves a cut or trauma to the area, it is not uncommon to encounter symptoms such as numbness or loss of sensation. In your case, where you have a cut on the left index finger near the second joint, and you are experiencing a lack of sensation in a small area of skin, it is important to understand the underlying causes and the appropriate steps to take for recovery.

Numbness following a finger injury can occur for several reasons. One common cause is damage to the peripheral nerves that innervate the skin and muscles of the fingers. When the skin is cut, especially in areas where nerves are located, there is a risk of nerve injury. This can lead to temporary or, in some cases, long-term numbness or altered sensation in the affected area. The sensation of numbness you are experiencing, akin to a "numbed" feeling, may indicate that the nerve endings in that area have been affected.

In terms of which specialist to see, it is advisable to consult a hand surgeon or an orthopedic specialist who focuses on upper extremity injuries. These specialists have the expertise to evaluate nerve function and determine if there has been any significant nerve damage. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, order additional tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the nerves and muscles in your hand.

Additionally, if the injury is still recent, it is important to monitor the healing process. Nerve injuries can sometimes recover on their own, but the timeline for recovery can vary significantly. In many cases, it may take weeks to months for sensation to return fully, depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of nerve damage. During this time, it is crucial to keep the area clean and protected to prevent infection, which can complicate recovery.

In the meantime, you can also consider some supportive measures to promote healing. Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins are known to support nerve health and may help in the recovery process. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, especially if you are taking other medications.

If you notice any worsening of symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like redness or discharge from the wound), it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Persistent numbness or changes in sensation that do not improve over time should also be evaluated by a specialist, as they may indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires intervention.

In summary, for your situation, seeing a hand surgeon or orthopedic specialist would be the most appropriate course of action. They can provide a thorough assessment of your injury, determine the extent of any nerve damage, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember to keep monitoring your symptoms and seek help if there are any concerning changes.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Hand Numbness and Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?

Hello, doctor. I often experience numbness, stiffness, and pain in both my hands, which has been ongoing for several years. The pain tends to be particularly severe in winter, waking me up at night in tears, especially as I struggle to hold utensils properly. I consulted with ort...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed by ligaments as it passes through the wrist, leading to numbness in the hand from the thumb to half of the ring finger. Generally, sensory nerves are affected first, and after some time, motor nerves may als...

Persistent Numbness and Pain After Finger Injury: What to Know

Hello Doctor: About a week ago, I accidentally got my left index finger caught in a machine at work. I went to see an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray, which showed no bone injury. However, the area that was pinched has been numb and feels like it has no sensation. Occasion...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: If the orthopedic X-ray shows no signs of fractures, finger movement is smooth, and there is no obvious pallor or bruising, it is likely just a muscle, fascia, or periosteal contusion. It has been a week, so you can try applying heat and using anti-inflammatory ointment. M...

Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Ding: I work in computer graphic design and have to use the computer for long hours every day. Recently, over the past month, I have noticed that all five fingers on my left hand are experiencing numbness (especially the middle three fingers). Whenever I exert force wit...

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Wishing you good health.

Which Specialist to See for Numbness in Hand Joints?

Recently, I've been experiencing a tingling sensation in the joints of both hands, and I'm unsure what might be causing this issue or which specialist I should consult. I hope the doctor can provide some guidance. Thank you.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Numbness in both hands, particularly at the wrist and extending to the fingers, may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome or could be a manifestation of polyneuropathy. It is advisable to consult a neurologist for nerve conduction studies and to check for conditions such as diabetes or...