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Suggest Treatment For Infected Wound

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Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Question: I cut my pinky finger at the middle joint about 3 weeks ago. When I got the stitches out, it was infected. I went through antibiotics and the infection went away. Now it is still swollen at the middle joint and hurts to bend or when it is bumped. What should I do? Should I return to the doctor??
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Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Reassessment by the doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
What is the color of the area now?
Is the blood supply restored to the area?
These details are important.
The space in between the muscles of the fingers is very small.
When there is infection inside the space the muscles of the fingers swell and there is little to expand and thus they do not flex as well. Once the infection is treated, the muscles take more time to get back to normal size. The lymphs have to take back the excess fluid from the area. The lymphatics were already destroyed in the process of treatment. It takes time for them to rejuvenate and carry back the fluid accumulated in the space.
While we wait this process of healting the answers for above two questions are important hence an assessment is needed. It is better to get back to your doctor and reassessed.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
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Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2242 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Infected Wound

Brief Answer: Reassessment by the doctor Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query. What is the color of the area now? Is the blood supply restored to the area? These details are important. The space in between the muscles of the fingers is very small. When there is infection inside the space the muscles of the fingers swell and there is little to expand and thus they do not flex as well. Once the infection is treated, the muscles take more time to get back to normal size. The lymphs have to take back the excess fluid from the area. The lymphatics were already destroyed in the process of treatment. It takes time for them to rejuvenate and carry back the fluid accumulated in the space. While we wait this process of healting the answers for above two questions are important hence an assessment is needed. It is better to get back to your doctor and reassessed.