What you may feel
- A very tender focal point near an old injury, cut or operation.
- Touching that point may cause electric or shooting pain.
- Pain may radiate along the nerve into nearby areas.
- Burning, tingling or reduced sensation may coexist.
- Pressure from clothing, footwear or a prosthesis may worsen pain.
How it is assessed
The pain point is compared with the nerve and scar location. Ultrasound or a diagnostic block may help in selected cases.
Bring the operation or injury date, discharge information and recovery history. Explain whether pain is new, worsening or gradually improving.
Approaches to care
Care may include pressure reduction, gradual desensitisation and appropriate specialist treatment.
Coordinate the next steps with your surgeon’s restrictions. Record activities you can now manage and symptoms that still limit recovery.
When to seek urgent help
Wound redness or discharge, fever, rapidly worsening pain or new weakness need prompt assessment. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain requires emergency care.
Further reading: UChicago Medicine
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.