What Causes Finger To Swell And Numbness After Stitches?

Posted on Sat, 16 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I got a cut on my index finger yesterday, which required 6 stitches to close. The finger is now swollen and numb...is that normal..it has a dressing on it, so i cant see the stitched area. i have been put on antibiotics from yesterday as well. I got a tetanus shot about 2 months ago, so didn't take one yesterday.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes sir it is completely normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help.

The body has various mechanism's to cope with ongoing abnormalities, and one such mechanism is inflammation of an abnormal region. If at all there is an injury, some abnormal functioning of an organ, some abnormal growth or tissue in an organ, etc; the first response is always inflammation. This according with other symptoms helps in hinting towards abnormality which in turn can help an individual or medical personnel to identify the abnormality.

So in your case, as you had deep trauma and had to undergo stitches for the same, an inflammatory response is absolutely normal sir. Do not worry about the inflammation, it will soon reduce and you will be fine in no time. Please make sure you take the antibiotics and all other medications prescribed religiously.

I hope you find my response helpful. If at all you have any further clarifications, please do not hesitate to write back to me. I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar