Loss of function after a bite

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Loss of function after a bite

Most bites do not injure underlying nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, or joints. It is common to have burning, tingling, or numbness around the bite immediately after the injury. This is not a concern.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if there is a true loss of function because you may not want to move the injured area if movement causes pain. Loss of function is present when your best effort does not result in normal movement.

Occasionally a bite will injure underlying structures, causing a loss of function or numbness. The seriousness increases when the loss of function is not caused by pain or when your symptoms spread beyond the local area of the bite. Symptoms of injury to underlying tissues may include:

• Inability to move and loss of feeling (sensation), which may occur with a nerve injury.
• Inability to move, which may occur with an injury to a nerve or tendon.
• Abnormal movement or loss of function of a joint, which may occur with a ligament injury.
• Swelling and inability to move, which may occur with a joint injury.
• Pain, abnormal movement, or loss of function, which may occur with a bone injury.

A deep bite close to or on the hands or feet can be serious because nerves, tendons, or ligaments are closer to the surface of the skin. Deep bites near joints may damage the joint and increase the chance for an infection in the joint. Crushing bite injuries can cause severe swelling, which may put pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.

Permanent disability may result if an injury to a nerve, tendon, ligament, or joint is not quickly detected and repaired.

Credits

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer