Isabella Love wrote:
...but, what should I keep an eye out for? I mean, the thumb is sore. There's a small red spot that looks like some kind of strange circular burn, but it doesn't hurt when I touch it. My thumb feels sore when I move it, though, especially in the joint area.
You have a low voltage electrical burn more than likely. Electric burns (current burns not arc burns) are different from thermal burns. They damage tissue deep than the surface where thermal burns are most severe at the surface. Current burns are "inside out" affairs. From what you described earlier, I would say you had a small jolt of 220volts, not a full dose (or you would not have been typing on the internet.) If the ground wire was damaged by corrosion or a short, some of the power to your stove, even with the burner off it is energized, found a path to ground faster through you than through the wire. Think of an pouring a bucket out that has a hole in the bottom. Even as you pour from the top, the hole will drain, not all at once or even a majority; but the water will seek the path of least resistance. How much current you took is not possible to tell, but enough that it hurt is plenty.
The deep tissue under the burn is damaged. It does not sound like a second degree burn, so is not likely serious; but you should have it checked out, especially if not noticeably better in a few days. The joint is sore due to swelling. You 'energized' that joint that was not designed to flow current. It will be sore like you hit it with a hammer (mechanical energy) for a few days. Likely no permanent damage, but if you can have a doctor take a look to be safe. A full dose of 220 can damage organs and stop a heart; but you likely did not get that level of current. Be aware of the energy event and if you feel other symptoms or feel off, it would be a really good idea to get check out. If not terribly inconvenient, you may want to touch base with a medical provider just for peace of mind.
Something to be aware of is an 'exit wound'. That current entered through your thumb in a very localized area and dispersed through your body on the way to ground. It will be most sore at the point of entry, but that current went somewhere. Where it left your body may also be sore. Most often this is the feet, but can be a knee or another part of the leg that was in contact with the ground. Just be aware you may find a sore spot or two that you may not think associated; but may be where the current jumped to ground. (lighting strike victims will sometimes have their shoes blown off.)
Overall I would not worry (not a medical professional) but be aware and on the look out for anything out of the ordinary. If the red spot starts to turn other colors or gets more painful, seek medical care. If the joint is not better in a few days, see a doctor. If you discover other 'spots', get them checked. In a week if you still have numbness in your hand you may have some nerve damage. Get someone to give you advise on that.