Injured hand with numbness in finger - are there other options besides surgery?

Question

I recently cut my hand with a kitchen knife between my index and middle fingers. My middle finger is parially numb - not completely, but has a loss of sensation. And, when I do certain things with my hand, like reaching for a glass, I feel shooting pain in that same finger. I'd just assume avoid surgery if there is another option to remedy this. Anyone out there have a similar problem?

Answer 1

Surgery is usually considered when there is major never damage. Based on your description I'm unable to make out the extent of the physical damage to the nerve. I would recommend a referral to a hand therapist (usually an occupational or physical therapist) or to a regular OT or PT. They can design a therapy program to address the sensory issues in your hand.

Answer 2

1. if you havent done so see a doctor to check for infection to prevent anything from worsening.

2. my g/f did something similar with electric shears, she cut the tip of her thumb off and it took her 6months for the wound to heal and she is still workin on the sensation.

3. a nerve usually recovers at 1mm a day depending on the injury and how much of the nerve was severed. the middle finger is also supplied by to nerve innervations(median and radial)

4. to improve the proprioceptive sensation(touch), after you get a doctors advice, you should look into finger to thumb opposition, put objects in bowl of rice and use the injured finger/s to pick up the objects to help improve the fine motor skills, twisting caps on and off of different items.

but first check with the doctor

Answer 3

You don't say if you've been seen by a doctor and what resulted from that visit. Without this information, I'm working in the dark. Any answers you receive that don't take this into consideration are pure speculation and may not apply to you.

Answer 4

Without knowing more, such as specific tests performed, type of nerve damage (if any), which nerve was damaged, etc., there's no way to give any reasonable advice other than seek a consultation with a hand specialist and neurologist.

Answer 5

Have you tried physical therapy? Most insurance plans would prefer to pay for physical therapy than surgery or alternative medicines. And if you don't have insurance, physical therapy is not usually that expensive, depending on where you live.