Hand Nerve Pain & Surgery

Nerve Problems in the Hand & Upper Limb

Nerves are like electrical wires that transmit signals between the brain, skin, and muscles. These signals allow your brain to control muscle movements in the hand and arm. Signals to the brain from the skin and tissues in the hand allow sensations such as pain, pressure, texture, and temperature to be felt.

When might it be a nerve problem?

Symptoms of tingling, numbness, weakness, burning sensations, or pain in the hand, forearm or arm usually mean there is a problem with one or more of the following nerves:

  • Cervical spine
  • Brachial plexus
  • Median nerve
  • Ulnar nerve
  • Radial nerve
  • Other small nerves
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Common Symptoms of Nerve Problems

  • Tingling or “ants crawling” sensations in the fingers, hand or arm
  • Numbness in the fingers or hand
  • Burning, cold sensations, or pain that feels like an electric current in the hand
  • Difficulty holding things properly and frequently dropping things
  • Weakness or partial paralysis of the hand or arm

Common Nerve Problems

Nerve Injury

Caused by stretching, cutting or crushing of the nerve

Nerve Compression Disorders

Where nerves go through tight spaces in the body, or pressure is placed on the nerve by tight fibrous bands, bone spurs, swollen muscles, or abnormal structures

Nerve Tumours

Abnormal growths in or around nerves that affects their function

Inflammation or Infection

Infections or autoimmune reactions that affect nerve tissue

Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism that gradually damage the nerves

Specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of nerves near the shoulder), lacertus or pronator syndrome (compression near the elbow), and radial tunnel syndrome (affecting the radial nerve near the forearm) are also common causes of persistent elbow, forearm or hand pain.

Treatment Options

Nerve compressions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, lacertus or pronator syndrome, and radial tunnel syndrome can sometimes be treated successfully with physiotherapy and changing lifestyle and workplace factors. Surgical decompression to permanently loosen the nerve is also a very safe option which gives rapid, long term relief especially if symptoms persist or if changing lifestyle and workplace conditions are not feasible.

Nerve injuries, compressive nerve disorders, or nerve tumours, may require surgery to restore normal function. This involves relieving pressure on the nerve, removing abnormal structures, or repairing the nerves.

When nerve function is impaired due to inflammation or infection, direct nerve repair may not be possible. Nerve or tendon transfer surgery can often improve the function of the hand and arm.

Get Our Help Now

Nerve Problems in the Hand & Upper Limb

Nerves are like electrical wires that transmit signals between the brain, skin, and muscles. These signals allow your brain to control muscle movements in the hand and arm. Signals to the brain from the skin and tissues in the hand allow sensations such as pain, pressure, texture, and temperature to be felt.

When might it be a nerve problem?

Symptoms of tingling, numbness, weakness, burning sensations, or pain in the hand, forearm or arm usually mean there is a problem with one or more of the following nerves:

  • Cervical spine
  • Brachial plexus
  • Median nerve
  • Ulnar nerve
  • Radial nerve
  • Other small nerves
Get Our Help Now

Common Symptoms of Nerve Problems

  • Tingling or “ants crawling” sensations in the fingers, hand or arm
  • Numbness in the fingers or hand
  • Burning, cold sensations, or pain that feels like an electric current in the hand
  • Difficulty holding things properly and frequently dropping things
  • Weakness or partial paralysis of the hand or arm

Common Symptoms of Nerve Problems

Nerve Injury

Caused by stretching, cutting or crushing of the nerve

Nerve Compression Disorders

Where nerves go through tight spaces in the body, or pressure is placed on the nerve by tight fibrous bands, bone spurs, swollen muscles, or abnormal structures

Nerve Tumours

Abnormal growths in or around nerves that affects their function

Inflammation or Infection

Infections or autoimmune reactions that affect nerve tissue

Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism that gradually damage the nerves

Specific conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of nerves near the shoulder), lacertus or pronator syndrome or lacertus syndrome (compression near the elbow), and radial tunnel syndrome (affecting the radial nerve near the forearm) are common causes of persistent elbow, forearm or hand pain.

Treatment Options

Some nerve compressions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome or pronator syndrome (lacertus syndrome) can be treated successfully with physiotherapy and changing lifestyle and workplace factors.

Nerve injuries, compressive nerve disorders, or nerve tumours, may require surgery to restore normal function. This involves relieving pressure on the nerve, removing abnormal structures, or repairing the nerves.

When nerve function is impaired due to inflammation or infection, direct nerve repair may not be possible. Nerve or tendon transfer surgery can often improve the function of the hand and arm.

Get Our Help Now