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Is Numbness In Right Index Finger After Cat Bite A Sign Of CECS?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Nov 2015
Twitter Wed, 11 Nov 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 2 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : Hello, my name is art, A cat bit my left index finger 2.5 years ago, cut not to bad , just placed a band-aid and seem to heal ok after few weeks. I than just for precaution placed a plastic finger brace for about six weeks. I than saw an orthopedic doctor and after X-ray, he advised me all checked out ok top of finger /tendon and hand motions after having a look at it. I forgot to mention to him however the numbness/slight burning, and that finger looks slightly smaller than right index finger. It seems i feel the discomfort , mostly when i think about it more often than not. I was reading that maybe placing that brace when maybe did not need it may have caused chronic compartment syndrome with nerve and some tissue damage. I still am able to lift weights, play golf , and do normal activities just that at times just feel the discomfort. basically just wanted your opinion other than the discomfort and slightly finger shrinkage , will I just have to deal and manage the discomfort moving forward.
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Decreased use is teh reason for shrinkage!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

The decreased use when you place this finger in the brace is the most plausible explanation for the shrinkage. Muscles will grow smaller in size whenever they are not used often. There is no reason to be very afraid of this as repeated use will help it regain its original size. Also, for right handed persons, the right fingers are somewhat often more developed than the left because they are being used more often than the left fingers.

Without severe pains and deformation, chronic compartment syndrome is unlikely. Be calm, relaxed and stay positive. All will soon return to normal.

I hope this helps. I wish yo well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

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Practicing since :2002

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Is Numbness In Right Index Finger After Cat Bite A Sign Of CECS?

Brief Answer: Decreased use is teh reason for shrinkage! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. The decreased use when you place this finger in the brace is the most plausible explanation for the shrinkage. Muscles will grow smaller in size whenever they are not used often. There is no reason to be very afraid of this as repeated use will help it regain its original size. Also, for right handed persons, the right fingers are somewhat often more developed than the left because they are being used more often than the left fingers. Without severe pains and deformation, chronic compartment syndrome is unlikely. Be calm, relaxed and stay positive. All will soon return to normal. I hope this helps. I wish yo well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.