After surgery, some patients may experience scar pain. This pain can stem from a variety of causes, including but not limited to inflammation of the scar tissue, nerve damage, or excessive growth of the scar tissue. Scar pain typically appears within weeks or months after surgery and can sometimes last even longer.
Inflammation of scar tissue is a common cause of pain. During the wound healing process after surgery, scar tissue forms, and if this tissue becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause pain. This pain usually subsides gradually as the wound heals, but if inflammation persists, the pain can last longer. If the pain worsens after certain activities, such as strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects, it may be because the scar tissue is under extra pressure or stretching during these activities.
Another possibility is nerve damage. During surgery, surrounding nerves may be damaged, causing pain in the postoperative scar area. This pain may be dull, tingling, or burning. If the pain worsens after certain postures or movements, it may indicate nerve compression or stretching. If the symptoms present as severe, persistent pain accompanied by numbness or muscle weakness, nerve damage or other more serious complications should be considered.
For scar pain, patients must understand that while some pain is part of the normal healing process, persistent pain or specific pain characteristics may require further medical evaluation. If the pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, heat, or discharge, this could be a sign of infection and requires immediate medical attention. Some patients may mistakenly believe that all scar pain is normal and ignore potentially more serious problems. Seeking professional medical evaluation is necessary when pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
[Prevention Tips:]
1. Keep the wound clean to prevent infection.
2. Avoid strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects in the scarred area.
3. Regularly check the wound healing process and pay attention to any abnormal changes.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and boost your body's immunity.
