How Can I Treat Nerve Damage in My Hand?

Any person who sustained nerve damage in their hand can experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms. From numbness and tingling to shooting pain, nerve issues can manifest in a variety of different ways. No matter how these injuries spring into existence, the resulting symptoms can hinder the performance of regular and day-to-day activities.

What are Common Types of Nerve Damage in the Hand?

In common practice, nerve damage in the hand tends to affect one of three main nerves:

• Radial Nerve — The radial nerve controls sensory feeling in the thumb and back of the hand. The radial nerve also operates certain movements in the arm and forearm and helps the wrist, fingers, and thumb extend.
• Median Nerve — The median nerve controls sensory feeling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. The median nerve also operates grasping movements of the thumb, especially crucial for holding objects.
• Ulnar Nerve — The ulnar nerve controls sensory feeling in part of the ring finger and the little finger side of the hand. The ulnar nerve also operates certain spreading movements of the fingers, bending of the knuckles, and grasping of the thumb.

What are the Symptoms of Nerve Damage in the Hand?

When there is nerve damage in the hand, it ordinarily produces certain symptoms in the injured patients. These symptoms include:

• Reduced Function — The patient may experience decreased range of motion and a reduced capacity to perform basic tasks and functions.
• Numbness & Tingling — The patient may experience loss of sensation in the hand, including feelings of numbness and/or tingling.
• Shooting Pain — The patient may experience episodes of shooting pain in the affected area, whether temporary or prolonged in nature.

What are the Treatment Options for Nerve Damage in the Hand?

In order to evaluate potential treatment options for nerve damage in the hand, a licensed physician should first conduct a professional diagnosis. Once the patient undergoes a complete diagnosis — including any imaging tests, if needed — then a physician can explain the available options.

Depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s medical history, a hand specialist might recommend rest and immobilization. Or a physician could determine that occupational therapy is the best answer. In some cases, surgery could be necessary to decompress, graft, or repair the nerve.

Do Need Treatment for Nerve Damage in Your Hand?

If you need treatment for nerve damage in your hand, it can be exceedingly constructive to consult with a licensed hand surgeon. At Midwest Hand Surgery, our physicians feature proven credentials at the fellowship level, surpassing the standard requirements for most doctors. Out physicians have demonstrated capabilities treating various hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, including nerve damage in the hand.

Midwest Hand Surgery features a dedicated approach to medicine, where physicians handle treatment responsibilities instead of physician assistants. Additionally, we offer same-day treatment, on-site surgical suites, and occupational therapy to handle a diversity of injuries and conditions. If you need medical treatment for nerve damage in your hand, contact us today to receive professional assistance.

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