Scar Pain
PAIN CONDITION
Scar Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief
Scar tissue pain is a common yet often misunderstood condition. It may not be painful in the early healing stages but can become unbearable over time, even years later.[1] When the body heals from an injury, surgery, burns or other trauma, it forms scar tissue, a thick fibrous material that replaces healthy skin and tissue.[2] While this is a natural part of healing, scar tissue can sometimes cause pain and discomfort.
Understanding the nature of scar pain and the available management options is essential for those affected.
About Scar Tissue Pain
Scars occur when healthy tissue is destroyed and thick, fibrous connective tissue forms after an injury or surgery. Scar tissue is less elastic than normal skin and can cause tightness, discomfort, limited movement and pain.[1] This pain can vary in intensity and duration, interfering with daily activities and quality of life. Scar tissue can form on the skin’s surface or deeper within the body, impacting muscles, ligaments, and internal organs.[1]
Scar tissue pain may develop immediately after an injury or surgery or arise months or even years later.[3] The pain can be localized to the area of the scar or radiate to surrounding tissues. Because of their slow healing time, people may not notice pain and discomfort until months or years later.[1] The severity and type of pain experienced can differ from person to person, making it a unique challenge to address.[2]
Scar Tissue Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of muscle pain vary depending on the type of scar and whether it’s internal or external.
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or throbbing pain in or around the scar [2]
- Skin tightness [3]
- Restricted movement [3]
- Sensitivity or tenderness to touch[ 2]
- Burning or tingling sensations [3]
- Neuropathy (nerve pain) [3]
- Intractable allodynia [4]
- Itchiness [3]
- Swelling or inflammation [2]
- Numbness or decreased sensation [3]
- Visible changes in the scar appearance [1]
Scar Pain Causes
Scar tissue growth is your body’s natural response to trauma, but in some cases, the healing tissue can become uncomfortable and painful, requiring intervention.
Common causes of scar tissue pain include:
Surgical incisions[1]
Traumatic injuries[1]
Burns or lacerations[1]
Repetitive strain injuries[5]
Arthrofibrosis (joint scar tissue)[6]
Internal scarring from infections or diseases[7]
Post-surgical adhesions[7]
Tattoos and piercings[8]
Pain Management Treatments
Managing scar tissue pain requires a customized approach, as every case varies in cause and intensity. Non-invasive treatments include physical therapy and massage to improve blood flow and flexibility and reduce pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, dermabrasion, compression wraps and topical solutions may also soften the scarring and relieve pain.
For more persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Laser therapy is another option that targets the scar tissue to reduce pain and minimize its appearance.
If you prefer non-surgical pain management options, your doctor may offer trigger point injections, Botox, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and Radiofrequency Ablation. Surgical revision may be needed when scar pain is severe, affects movement, or is unresponsive to less invasive treatments.
When to Consult a Scar Pain Care Specialist
If you’ve noticed that your scar is hurting and the pain is worsening, it’s essential to consult a pain management specialist. Pain that is severe and interferes with your daily life, including work, school and sleep, must be evaluated. There are many non-surgical advanced treatment options available to deal with persistent scar tissue pain. Your pain control physician can design a pain management plan for your condition.
Pain management doctors can reduce your scar pain with trigger point injections, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Your healthcare team will choose the right approach for your pain level and scar type.
Seek immediate medical attention if your scar shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge, fever or chills).
Resources:
- Nall R. Scar tissue pain: What it feels like, why it happens, and treatment. Medical News Today [Internet]. Published June 30, 2020. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/scar-tissue-pain
- Cherney K. Why Scar Tissue Pain Occurs and What You Can Do About It. Healthline [Internet]. Published March 7, 2019. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/scar-tissue-pain
- Dorwart L. Why Scar Tissue Pain Occurs and What You Can Do About It. Verywell Health [Internet]. Updated June 24, 2024. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/scar-tissue-pain-8657009
- Cleveland Clinic Staff. Allodynia: What Is It, Types, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21570-allodynia
- Gardner T, Kenter K, Li Y. Fibrosis following Acute Skeletal Muscle Injury: Mitigation and Reversal Potential in the Clinic. Journal of Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2020;2020:1-7. Accessed June 30, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7059057 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7745048/
- Cluett J. Scar Tissue Formation After Knee Surgery May Cause Arthrofibrosis. Verywell Health [Internet]. Updated June 01, 2022. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthrofibrosis-2548476
- Williams E. Why does my surgical scar still hurt? Dr. Eric H. Williams [Internet]. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.baltimoreperipheralnervepain.com/faqs/reasons-why-a-surgical-scar-may-still-hurt.cfm
- Carswell L, Borger J. Hypertrophic Scarring Keloids. StatPearls [Internet]. Published 2020. Updated August 08, 2023. Accessed June 30, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537058/