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Scar tissue pain

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Chronic Pain
How long did your surgical incisions cause pain?
Long term pain is still present - 100.0% - 1 votes
Pain only for several months - 0.0% - 0 votes
Pain at incision site only immediately after removing sutures - 0.0% - 0 votes
Pain only with sutures - 0.0% - 0 votes
No pain during or after sutures - 0.0% - 0 votes
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Posted 12/4/2017 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hey first off, I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong topic category. It's the best fitting section I could find. I recently had a very traumatic accident at work (5/12/17) that resulted in the loss of my arm. The arm shattered completely. My elbow broke through the skin, my finger nails where laying on the top of my wrist and my wrist was pressed against my dislocated elbow joint. I remember seeing at least 4 different areas of bone coming through my arm. Needless to say the arm was not repairable and twisted. So the question I have is this: lately (past two weeks or so I think) my scar tissue has been quite painful to the touch. More so in the thickest areas but still throughout the entire incision line. I have been waking up in pain and do experience intermittent pain throughout the day but assumed it was the phantom pains I had previously been warned of. Is painful scar tissue normal? All of my other scars are a bit more subtle and/or much older so it's hard for me to compare. Does the contact pain go away with age or will it remain due to the severity of the initial injury? Thanks for taking the time to read this and your input is much appreciated.
Posted 12/4/2017 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yes-scar tissue can hurt.

I'm so sorry you had such an awful accident. I can't even imagine how much that must have hurt.

Was any work done on the scar to help reduce the tightness and help in healing? I have a pretty wicked scar after multiple abdominal surgeries(12) this past summer. It runs from my pubic bone up to my sternum and looks like a purplish/red rope. My abdomen wasn't closed until the 12th surgery, so it's a very thick and irregularly shaped scar. I had to quit my job as a bikini model and belly dancer. Sad really-I showed such promise....

In PT after 30-40min of core strengthening exercises, the last 20min is spent working on the scar tissue. Sometimes the pt just uses lotion to massage the area on and around the scar, and other times ultrasound is used. I have a scar on my neck from where I needed a trache after the surgical complications during the summer that used to be painful. Ultrasound can't be used on the scar because of it's location, so it's massaged multiple times daily. Finally, instead of the stabbing and tender pain, it now mildly "tingles".

I've been told to massage the mega scar myself, multiple times daily. Hopefully this will break up what looks like a rope of tissue. Also, Allodynia can occur when scar tissue is not regularly manipulated. It is a pain that results from a touch that really shouldn't be painful. My dr uses a sunburn as an example. Regular touching and manipulating the scar tissue helps prevent this from occurring.

Of course, my scars are from surgeries and not an amputation. You are dealing with a far different beast, and I don't think we have a member who has had an amputation. Regardless, pain is pain, and I hope you can find relief.
Posted 12/4/2017 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, painful scar tissue can be normal. As scar tissue is forms, it can entrap nearby nerve endings in the skin and/or deeper tissues, thus leading to pain, which can be quite significant. Additionally, contracture of the scar tissue can put tension on the surrounding tissues, also leading to pain. As scars heal, they go through various stages of remodeling in which the tissues contract and harden, and then gradually relax and soften. This whole process occurs over a period of approximately one year, so you still have a ways to go before your scar reaches maturity.

As a scar remodels over time, pain associated with the scar tissue often becomes less. However, in the mean time, Roccky's suggestion of massaging your scar is a good one. The massage may feel quite painful at first, but if you work on it gradually (a few minutes a few times each day), it will definitely help break up the underlying scar tissue that is causing your problems. You can also try an OTC scar product like Mederma, or if it is really bad, your doctor can potentially inject steroids into/around the scar tissue, which can also help. But I'd start with the massage. It can take a while, and it is not fun, but it usually helps a lot!

Skeye

Post Edited (skeye) : 12/3/2017 11:40:02 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/4/2017 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for your hasty replies. Skeye, I had no idea it could take up to a year to fully heal. I'm not interested in getting shots (fear of needles) so a frequent massage will definitely be my go to for now. I also didn't know there were so many factors contributing to the pain. Your breakdown and explaining is most helpful, thank you.

Roccky, thank you too. With amputations they give you a compression sock to help keep the immediate swelling down, and recommend wearing it after the swelling goes down to prevent any potential expansion of the limb. But that's all that's been done. How would you recommend the massage? Just small circular motions? I will also inquire about pt. I don't feel like a lot can be done but the info you two provided has given me something to look forward to. And all suggestions are worth a shot and may help
Posted 12/4/2017 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Every physical therapist I've seen for post op paid attention to my incisions/scars. Small circular motions with various lotions. My incisions/scars vary from 1/2 inch smallest to 14 inch largest. I was not prone to keloid scarring, thank goodness. I also had ultrasound used on some of them, mostly the ones that are on joints. The 'poorest' of them is from emergency exploratory abdominal surgery...probably because no one told me to massage it!

Work with your physical therapist and let us know how things are going. I've gotten so much useful information and encouragement from this network!
Posted 12/4/2017 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Icantdoit, welcome to Healing Well. After reading your post about your accident I want to ask if any type of rehab has been discussed or recommended. Basically, the massage type of rehab, provided you are completely healed. My thoughts are to discuss with your treating dr to see about getting you into a large rehab type facility for out patient care. These larger facilities offer both in-patient & out-patient rehab. I think if anyone could help you it would be one of these larger facilities that offer just about every type of treatment there is to offer. I am not talking about going to a regular small PT center. I understand with this being work related you have to go through the channels on getting approval from their insurance. Anyway, this is something to consider.

Take care.
Posted 12/5/2017 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for your replies. PT has not been directly considered as far as I know. However, Occupational Therapy has been but it's a bit different. The goal with them is to basically learn how to use the prosthetic to its full advantages. But I think they should have some knowledge on reducing pain via massaging. I have not started my OT yet due to issues with my prosthetic. So I won't know until I begin the program to know whether or not that's something they can help with. But this is a big concern that I'm anxiously waiting to speak with my DR. with. If OT can't help I will see if the doc can send an additional referral for PT. In the meantime the massaging you guys recommended is probably the best I have to work with for now. There's a few other issues related to losing my arm. I'm at an incredibly high risk of developing arthritis and muscle tears/strains due to over working my one hand and arm. I've had pain in my knuckles for a few weeks as well as the shoulder of the residual limb. I'm hoping it's not the beginning stages. I really can't wait to see my Doctor
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