Suggest Treatment For Nueropathic Pain After A Joint Replacement In Thumb

Posted on Tue, 4 Nov 2014

Question: I was supposed to have a joint replacement in my thumb last year, but came out of surgery without the ball end of my thumb. Now the hand is terribly atrophied, and I'm in pain all the time. I ave to constantly wear a brace or it goes into cramps besides looking horrible. What can be done?

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
nueropathic pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HCM. Since your pain is not responding to opioid medications, it is likely going to be nueropathic pain. I would suggest to use gabapentin and topical lidocaine along with opioids for your pain. I think what has happened is that the nerve terminals in your thumb have been irritated and that is what is causing the intense pain. For permanent pain relief, unfortunately you will have to consult a surgeon again . However please go to as surgeon who is specialised only in thumb or hand surgery and look for the previous record of the surgeon before reviewing your case with him. I hope it helps.
Dr. Khan

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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