Nerve Damage in The Hand
A nerve injury of the hand occurs when the complex system of nerves in the hand is damaged. Learn more about nerve damage in the hand symptoms, hand neuropathy treatment, and more from our hand/wrist experts. Schedule an appointment in Metro Atlanta today!
What You Need To Know About Nerve Injuries of the Hand
What is Nerve Damage in the Hand?
The hand is one of the most complex structures of the body, designed to perform fine motor movements and to manipulate and experience the environment. The hand is woven with an intricate network of fragile nerves. This allows your hand to perceive messages about pain, movement, or other sensations.
Damage to any of these nerves can interrupt the normal functions of the hand and cause numbness and pain. This serious condition should be addressed as soon as symptoms occur.
What Causes Nerve Damage in the Hand?
There are multiple causes of nerve injuries of the hand. The nerves can be damaged from too much pressure, overstretching, or a direct injury. It can also occur from preexisting conditions like diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and more.
Nerve Damage in the Hand Symptoms
Nerve damage in the hand symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the injury and the nerves that were harmed. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact our hand/wrist physicians immediately:
Numbness
Pain
Weakness
Poor range of motion
Tingling
Intermittent symptoms
How is Nerve Damage in the Hand Diagnosed?
To diagnose nerve injuries of the hand, you should schedule an appointment with a hand/wrist physician. They will talk to you about your medical history and how the condition started. Then they will do a physical exam to check pain levels, range of motion, or other symptoms of nerve damage.
Your doctor will then order diagnostic imaging to better understand your condition and rule out other possible causes. Then, they will talk to you about a hand neuropathy treatment plan for your recovery.
Nerve Damage in the Hand Treatment
There are surgical and non-surgical hand neuropathy treatments available. Your unique treatment plan will depend on the severity of your injury and many other factors.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Some nerve injuries will repair themselves within days or weeks of a mild injury. If the injury is more severe, your physician will recommend treatments like rest, icing the area, or physical therapy.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be required for severe injuries that did not respond to non-surgical treatment methods. This may occur when the nerve is cut or damaged beyond repair.
A surgeon will reconnect the insulation, or tunnel, around the nerve to help the fibers grow back. With nerve injuries, there is always a chance that you may not be able to re-establish the nerve connection. However, physical therapy can help you regain motion and reduce pain.
If you are experiencing nerve damage in the hand symptoms, it's time to get help. Schedule an appointment with our Hand/Wrist physicians today!