Understanding Scar Pain

Scar pain is a type of persistent pain that can develop after surgery, injury, or burns. It often arises when nerves in or around the scar become irritated, trapped, or overly sensitive during the healing process. This can lead to discomfort ranging from sharp or shooting pain to burning, tingling, or heightened sensitivity at the scar site. In some cases, the pain can persist long after the skin has healed, affecting quality of life and daily activities.

Sources of Scar Pain

Scar pain can arise from a variety of causes, including:

  • Surgical Scars – Pain may continue after operations if nerves are damaged or irritated during healing.

  • Burn Scars – Scar tissue from burns can remain tight and sensitive, sometimes affecting deeper nerves.

  • Traumatic Scars – Injuries that cut or crush tissue can leave nerve endings exposed or trapped in scar tissue.

  • Keloid or Hypertrophic Scars – Raised or thickened scars may irritate surrounding nerves, causing ongoing pain or sensitivity.

  • Nerve Entrapment in Scar Tissue – Healing tissue can sometimes trap small nerves, leading to persistent pain or altered sensations.

Seeking Relief and Treatment

Although scar pain can be persistent, several approaches may help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life:

  • Medications – Certain topical treatments, creams, or oral medications can help calm nerve-related pain.

  • Physiotherapy and Desensitisation – Gentle massage, movement exercises, and desensitisation techniques can help soften scar tissue and reduce sensitivity.

  • Pain-Relief Interventions – In some cases, targeted injections or nerve blocks may ease pain and improve mobility.

Interventions for Scar Pain Relief

Scar Injections
A scar injection involves placing local anaesthetic, sometimes with anti-inflammatory medicine, directly into or around the painful scar tissue. This can reduce sensitivity, calm overactive nerve signals, and make the scar more comfortable to touch. In some cases, this procedure also helps guide whether longer-lasting treatments may be useful.

At York Pain Group, our approach to scar pain management is tailored to each patient. We focus on accurate diagnosis and selecting the right combination of treatments to improve daily comfort, function, and confidence in movement. If you are living with persistent scar pain, a professional assessment can help identify the best options for relieving your pain.