Your symptoms of hand pain and index finger numbness lasting a month suggest nerve compression, commonly known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I strongly advise seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis before starting long-term medication. For temporary pain and swelling relief, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. However, nerve-specific pain often requires prescription medications (such as gabapentin) or non-medicinal treatments like wearing a wrist splint at night. Please consult a healthcare provider for a physical exam to get the safest and most effective prescription for your condition.

Persistent numbness and pain five months after surgery suggest potential nerve irritation or compression (such as the radial or median nerve) or scar tissue buildup. For temporary relief of the upper arm pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help. However, for nerve-related numbness, prescription medications like Gabapentin, Pregabalin, or Vitamin B12 supplements are often used to promote nerve healing. Please do not self-medicate. It is crucial to consult your orthopaedic surgeon or a neurologist. They may recommend a nerve conduction study (EMG) to identify the exact cause and prescribe the correct targeted treatment.