Nerve Pain After Injury or Surgery? A Specialist Answers Your Questions

Orthopaedic surgeon Jeffrey G. Stepan, MD, MSc, explains what causes nerve pain after injury or surgery, how to recognize symptoms and when to seek care. This article covers expert diagnosis, both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for nerve pain — helping you get back to your daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Neuromas and nerve injuries can happen after accidents, surgery or other trauma and may cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
• Nerve pain often feels like burning, tingling or sharp shooting sensations and can affect sleep and daily life.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can improve recovery and help prevent long-term nerve damage.
• Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures or nerve repair surgery.
• UChicago Medicine nerve specialists care for patients across the Chicago area, including the South Side, South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana.

Nerve pain after an injury or surgery is often caused by irritation or damage to the nerves that carry signals between your brain and body. It may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp, electric-like pain.

These symptoms can make daily activities more difficult, including sleeping, working, and moving comfortably. While nerve pain can be disruptive, many cases improve with early diagnosis and the right treatment.

At the University of Chicago Medicine, our nerve specialists identify the source of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and goals.

Schedule an Appointment

What is peripheral nerve damage?

Peripheral nerve damage is an injury to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves send signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

When a nerve is damaged, those signals don’t work correctly. This can cause:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness

Peripheral nerves can often heal over time, especially with early treatment.

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a painful bundle of scarred nerve tissue. It forms when a nerve tries to heal after being cut, crushed or irritated.

Instead of healing smoothly, the nerve becomes tangled. This can lead to ongoing pain.

Neuromas often develop after:

• Surgery
• Injury or cuts
• Repeated pressure or trauma

What does neuroma pain feel like?

Neuroma pain is often described as:

• Burning
• Sharp or stabbing
• Electric or "shock-like"

It is often worse when the area is touched or bumped. Even light pressure can trigger pain.

If pain affects your sleep or daily activities, it's important to seek care.

How is neuroma pain different from other nerve pain?

Neuroma pain is usually:

• In one specific spot
• Linked to a past injury or surgery
• Triggered by touch or pressure

Other nerve pain may:

• Spread along an arm or leg
• Affect both sides of the body
• Be caused by conditions like diabetes or nerve compression

Knowing the difference helps guide the treatment.

What are the signs of nerve damage after an injury?

Nerve injury symptoms depend on which nerve is affected, but common signs include:

• Numbness or loss of feeling
• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Burning or shooting pain
• Weakness in the arm, hand, leg or foot
• Trouble gripping or holding objects
• Changes in skin color or texture

Symptoms may appear right away or develop slowly over time.

When should I see a doctor for nerve pain?

You should see a specialist if you have:

• Pain, numbness or tingling lasting more than a few weeks
• Weakness or trouble moving a limb
• Pain that wakes you at night
• Sharp or electric pain after an injury or surgery
• A very sensitive spot on your body

Early care can improve healing and prevent long-term damage.

What treatments are available for nerve pain and neuromas?

Treatment depends on your condition, but options may include:

• Medications to reduce nerve pain and inflammation
• Injections to calm irritated nerves
• Physical therapy to improve strength and movement
• Nerve decompression surgery to relieve pressure
• Neuroma surgery to remove damaged nerve tissue
• Nerve repair or grafting to restore nerve function

Most patients start with the least invasive treatments first.

Are there minimally invasive treatments for nerve injuries?

Yes. Many treatments do not require large surgery.

Examples include:

• Small-incision nerve decompression
• Image-guided injections
• Outpatient procedures with same-day recovery

Even when surgery is needed, modern techniques often mean less pain and faster recovery.

What is recovery like after nerve injury treatment?

Recovery is different for each person. Nerves heal slowly — about one inch per month.

During recovery, you may need:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Follow-up visits with your care team

Improvement often happens gradually over weeks or months.

Can nerve damage be permanent?

Sometimes nerve damage can be long-lasting, especially if it is severe or untreated for a long time.

However, many patients still see improvement with treatment — even after months or years of symptoms. Treatment can often:

• Reduce pain
• Improve movement
• Improve quality of life

Your care team will help set realistic goals based on your condition.

What doctors treat nerve pain and nerve injuries?

Nerve conditions are often treated by a team that may include:

• Nerve surgeons
• Neurologists
• Pain management specialists
• Physical and occupational therapists

At UChicago Medicine, these experts work together to create a care plan that fits your needs.

Where can I get care for nerve pain in the Chicago area?

UChicago Medicine’s nerve specialists treat patients across the Chicago area, including Hyde Park, the South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana.

We offer coordinated care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Schedule an Appointment