From the Research
If your middle finger cut is still painful after two weeks despite being healed, you can manage this pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 500-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food, as recommended by the American family physician 1. This lingering pain is likely due to nerve irritation or inflammation that persists after the skin has closed. Some key points to consider when managing this pain include:
- Applying a moisturizing lotion to the healed area twice daily to keep the skin supple
- Gentle massage around the healed cut may help desensitize the area and improve circulation
- This pain is normal and typically resolves within 3-4 weeks as nerve endings continue to heal However, if the pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by redness, swelling, or warmth, you should see a doctor as this could indicate infection or other complications, as highlighted in the study on pain and pain management the first two weeks after trauma 2. It's also important to note that nerve healing takes longer than skin healing, which explains why pain can persist after a cut appears visually healed, and a guide to pain assessment and management in adults can provide valuable insights into the complexities of pain management 3. In terms of pharmacologic management, a stepwise approach with acetaminophen as first-line therapy is supported by the evidence, with careful surveillance to monitor for toxicity and efficacy 4. Ultimately, the goal is to effectively manage the pain while minimizing the risk of complications, and a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, such as exercise therapy and education, can be an effective approach to managing pain, as seen in the evaluation and treatment of knee pain 5.