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What Causes Tightness In The Fingers After Burn Injury?
Question: Hello, my brother got 3rd degree burns all over his arms up to under his armpits and hands. They put grafts and stuff. It's been 4 months already, he is doing physical therapy every single day but by the end of the day it gets really painful for him, he describes it as shooting pain..
Also, in between his big finger and index finger that skin is really tight, he can't open it all the way. Doctor has said that if he moves it it might stretch if not, they would need to cut it but obviously, we don't want that. Is there anything we can do to make it better?
And will the scars disappear with time?
We would appreciate some guidance as what to do and what to expect to help him gain his self esteem and confidence back
Also, in between his big finger and index finger that skin is really tight, he can't open it all the way. Doctor has said that if he moves it it might stretch if not, they would need to cut it but obviously, we don't want that. Is there anything we can do to make it better?
And will the scars disappear with time?
We would appreciate some guidance as what to do and what to expect to help him gain his self esteem and confidence back
Brief Answer:
Long term physio therapy is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting Healthcaremagic.
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
Your brother is having something called "contractures". It is nothing but scarring and thickening after burns.
It takes very long time to recover.
He needs physiotherapy for long term. You can go for simple analgesics like ibuprofen or diclofenac for pain.
With regular physiotherapy he will do better, family members should provide mental support and motivation.
Scars takes long time to resolve. You have to accept that some scars will remain for life. You can seek help from a cosmetic surgeon to remove scars. Laser treatment can be tried to remove scars.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks.
Dr. SHINAS XXXXXXX
Long term physio therapy is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting Healthcaremagic.
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
Your brother is having something called "contractures". It is nothing but scarring and thickening after burns.
It takes very long time to recover.
He needs physiotherapy for long term. You can go for simple analgesics like ibuprofen or diclofenac for pain.
With regular physiotherapy he will do better, family members should provide mental support and motivation.
Scars takes long time to resolve. You have to accept that some scars will remain for life. You can seek help from a cosmetic surgeon to remove scars. Laser treatment can be tried to remove scars.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks.
Dr. SHINAS XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
What about the tightness that he has on his hands (between fingers) as well as under the armpits. When he exercises it gets better, the minute he stops it starts going back to the feeling of tightness. When approximately will it get less?
Also, the skin between the big finger and the index? Is there anything specific we can put, as far as cream or something to help it stretch and get looser?
And one more question, is there anything we can put to help the skin to heal faster?
Also, the skin between the big finger and the index? Is there anything specific we can put, as far as cream or something to help it stretch and get looser?
And one more question, is there anything we can put to help the skin to heal faster?
Brief Answer:
Regular physiotherapy is the key thing.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.
Regular physiotherapy is needed to regain normal function of skin. Frankly speaking it takes around five to six months for best results.
You can apply over the counter creams like triamcinolone ointment for fasten the recovery.
There is something called intralesional steroid injection, in which steroids are injected to scarred tissue. It is very effective to shrink the thickened skin and fasten the recovery time. Consult a dermatologist and he will explain more about this thing.
Diet rich in proteins and vitamins are needed for faster and effective recovery.
You can go for laser therapy to remove scars.
Regards.
Dr. Shinas Hussain
Regular physiotherapy is the key thing.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.
Regular physiotherapy is needed to regain normal function of skin. Frankly speaking it takes around five to six months for best results.
You can apply over the counter creams like triamcinolone ointment for fasten the recovery.
There is something called intralesional steroid injection, in which steroids are injected to scarred tissue. It is very effective to shrink the thickened skin and fasten the recovery time. Consult a dermatologist and he will explain more about this thing.
Diet rich in proteins and vitamins are needed for faster and effective recovery.
You can go for laser therapy to remove scars.
Regards.
Dr. Shinas Hussain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I see, is there anything we can do for his skin between fingers, it gets really uncomfortable for him, and we don't want for him to have surgery to cut that skin to stretch
Brief Answer:
Regular physiotherapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As I said regular physiotherapy is the best and practically possible thing. But it takes very long for near complete recovery. It will be painful initially, but the pain will surely side gradually as he exercise.
You can also seek help from a plastic surgeon to look for other options like grafting and tendon transfer.
You can apply steroid creams for symptomatic relief. Warm compresses over the affected area also would be helpful.
Thanks.
Regular physiotherapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As I said regular physiotherapy is the best and practically possible thing. But it takes very long for near complete recovery. It will be painful initially, but the pain will surely side gradually as he exercise.
You can also seek help from a plastic surgeon to look for other options like grafting and tendon transfer.
You can apply steroid creams for symptomatic relief. Warm compresses over the affected area also would be helpful.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Got it. Can we attend gym and swimming pool?
Brief Answer:
Yes, buy avoid excessive stretching.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
He can do gym training and swimming, it is better to seek help from a qualified trainer.
Avoid excessive stretching of scarred areas.
Thanks
Yes, buy avoid excessive stretching.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
He can do gym training and swimming, it is better to seek help from a qualified trainer.
Avoid excessive stretching of scarred areas.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
But won't pool water hurt him?
Brief Answer:
Pool won't hurt him
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pool water does not cause any pain.
The only thing you should keep in mind that avoid over stretching of contracted area.
It is better to seek help from a qualified physical trainer.
Thanks
Pool won't hurt him
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pool water does not cause any pain.
The only thing you should keep in mind that avoid over stretching of contracted area.
It is better to seek help from a qualified physical trainer.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Of course, first we will ask his physical therapist. Thank you so much for your help.
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for trusting us.
You can always ask us in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for trusting us.
You can always ask us in case of further queries.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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