Scar tissue...

[eew_notts]

Hello everyone,

Apologies for the potentially slightly irrelevant post but I'm after some advice. I have suffered from some chronic pain in my right foot following an ankle injury. Various investigations suggested it was all down to ligament damage but it was then apparent that the swelling was actually caused by a lipoma that developed following the trauma that initiated this whole situation.

Anyway. I had the lipoma removed and the cyst was found to have basically put my whole foot 'out of joint.' The surgeon said he manually realigned various metatarsals and for a few days, disregarding the obvious pain of the actual incision site, the swelling and general pain was vastly reduced. However, three week post op, and following a follow up appointment, I appear to be developing a significant amount of quite hard, fibrous scar tissue directly under the incision site. I was advised to do some scar massage techniques and keep the area well moisturised...

Basically, what I'm after is any advice or recommendations of methods for breaking up/massaging this scar tissue. I've consulted Dr Google and read the Info given to me by the surgeon by some first hand experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[NWBM]

Hi there,

What advice or products have you found with Dr Google?

I have some experience with scars as had my little finger amputated (Ray amputation) so have a large scar down the side of my hand.

Scar used to be tight, wide, raised and not fun at all.

I was prescribed silicone gel... I think it has a brand name or Dermatrix or something similar.

Randomly I have recently seen it in boots. It's £30 ish in boots thought.

I had cracking results with it and would recommend if.

Other one I read and hear good things about is bio oil.

The massage is nothing complicated just gentle circular movements to help break down the scar tissue. Be patient as it takes time but it will make a difference.

Hope you find something that helps.

[eew_notts in reply to NWBM]

Thank you so much for your reply! Dr Google and my actual doctor provided very similar advice to yourself! The visual scar on my skin itself is not an issue, I have quite a lot of experience with scars and hydrocolloid dressings are amazing for the surface but the scar bits inside are slightly more complicated. But I think the massage is helped by the application of moisturiser so I'll use the bio-oil I've got somewhere!

Thanks again.

[Frustated in reply to eew_notts]

Everything you have read is correct, scar tissue can be broken down with massage, it is the massage that is important, not the cream/oil you use to massage.

I am a nurse and worked on a burns ward and we just recommend Aqueous cream, very cheap and so can be used liberally.

I had surgery on my foot (5 separate scars) and it is hard to see where all but 2 of them are!

Good luck and hope the scar settles down soon.

Cathy

[eew_notts in reply to Frustated]

Thank you Cathy! I shall continue with the massage, really appreciate your advice.

Lizzie.

[Frustated in reply to eew_notts]

Your welcome!

Cathy

[lowlife]

Hi there, i had a total hip replacement operation three years ago which left a long scar down my leg. I massaged the whole length of the scare using hard rubbing motion back and forth across the scare with my thumb. It can make you feel a bit sick as its still a bit tender. I used bio oil to massage with to eliminate scaring which you can get from most supermarkets and chemists but you only need a small bottle as a little goes a long way. My physio and specialist said that its the best scare they've ever sèen and i have to say im pleased with it myself lol.

[eew_notts in reply to lowlife]

Completely agree that the vigorous rubbing can make you feel a bit sick; I am completely not squeamish but feeling the fibrous peculiarity under my skin and the aching pain it causes really turns my stomach. But I shall persevere! Thanks very much for your advice.

X

[Stretchygirl]

Bio-oil's great, I had an MPFL reconstruction on my right knee 3 years ago, rubbing that in, in like a circular motion helped me to settle down a bit. It doesn't work for some people but, it seem to aid mine a bit

[maggi999]

If the scarring is extensive you could try ultrasound treatment - I suffered horrendous tearing down below when I had son, he was a very large baby and I was badly damaged. After stitching and healing, the scar tissue was broken down by ultrasound. I couldn't even sit down in comfort before this treatment! Also had it on my feet for more minor scarring.

[eew_notts in reply to maggi999]

I will definitely investigate this; at the moment I can't wear anything that puts pressure on the top of my foot. It's absolutely excruciating so trainers, wellies, boots and work shoes are out of the question which isn't too bad in the summer but heading towards autumn and winter I'm really going to have to have the issue addressed if the massage doesn't significantly improve the hunk of scar tissue. Thanks for your advice!

[jules37]

read into reconnective healing and see what you think

[carol1964]

I had slip disc op March 2014,operation didn't work and surgeon said the pain I'm getting is nerve pain from scar tissue,would it be to late to get anything to help it?

[eew_notts in reply to carol1964]

From what I've read I don't think it's ever too late to try to manage issues caused by scar tissue but generally the sooner the better seems to be recommended. I would definitely speak to your doctor and perhaps seek a preliminary assessment with a physiotherapist to see what help you might be able to get I know a lot of the peculiar sensations I have in my foot is nerve related, it's painful and achey but equally there is a significant amount of numbness and there is still some really deep bruising. I am sure you will have/still are experiencing the same issues from your surgery!