What you may feel
- Burning or stabbing around a scar after the wound has closed.
- Light contact, clothing or washing may be painful.
- Numb and hypersensitive patches may coexist around the scar.
- Pulling pain or limited movement may also involve scar tightness.
- New redness, warmth or discharge should not be dismissed as nerve pain.
How it is assessed
Assessment distinguishes nerve pain, scar tension, infection and a local neuroma.
Bring the operation or injury date, discharge information and recovery history. Explain whether pain is new, worsening or gradually improving.
Approaches to care
Desensitisation and rehabilitation can be considered on healed skin. Other treatments depend on the pain source.
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: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.