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How Long Does Recovery Take From Nerve Damage?

Posted on Thu, 14 Apr 2016

Question: I think I have ice pack induced frostbite on a knee that has had 6 surgeries. Last night it was sore and I put an hour de pack on it. I fell asleep so it was on over an hour. The tissue is numb and I wanted to know how soon treatment would be necessary

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It depends on the damage degree.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Nerve damage as indicated by numbness after frostbite could resolve in few days in mild cases, but can also be permanent in more severe cases, so, there's need for an evaluation by your primary care Doctor first, in order to assess the degree of the damage.

If there are no other signs of burning from frost such changes in color, swelling, blisters, numbness (which you've already mentioned) will probably go away in a week or two.

Massage with warm water should help improve the symptoms.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 days later)

I definitely still have numbness, discoloration and swelling. The swelling seems to be getting less but the numbness and discoloration appear about the same. is there anything else I can do to improve this now that it is 5 days later. There were no blisters or open sores.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Local creams which contain antibiotics/corticosteroids.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Local cream application of corticosteroid drugs such Advantan (metilprednisolone), or combined creams (antibiotics and corticosteroid drugs) such those containing neomycin and dexamethasone eg. should help improve symptoms.

NSAID drugs such ibuprofen 400 mg thrice/daily also is necessary.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

I take Xarelto 15 mg/day. Can I take ibuprofen with that? Also, how much walking is ok for now? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They shouldn't be used together.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

In this case, you shouldn't take ibuprofen because of the risk of increased bleeding problems if taken together with xarelto.

First use topical creams only.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (10 hours later)

I started taking ibuprofen two times. This morning there are several places on damaged skin where small breaks in skin with what looks like scapes are. Could this be due to taking the ibuprofen or is it something with skin breakdown due to frostbite?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ibuprofen very unlikely to cause such problems.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

It could be easier for me to have a correct opinion if you could upload a picture of the affected area.

However, possible interaction between ibuprofen and xarelto could result in systemic bleeding problems, not local problems, so, damaged skin on that area is probably related to stages of the disease.

Frostbite also is a possible explanation, if cold was used more than necessary.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj