What are Nerve Injuries of the Hand?
Our hands are made up of various networks of blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves. These nerves allow us to use our hands to feel and touch that are transmitted to the brain. Injuries to these nerves can be debilitating to the use of the hands.
Your hands are susceptible to different types of nerve injuries, including when:
- The nerve is cut.
- The nerve is stretched.
- The nerve is compressed.
Symptoms of Hand Nerve Injuries
A cut to the nerve can cause it to no longer transmit signals to the brain. The extent of the injury depends on the amount of stretch caused to the hand. Symptoms of hand or wrist nerve injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the nerves that are injured. Common symptoms can include:
- Tingling
- Loss of felling or numbness.
- Loss of mobility or function.
- Pain, which can be severe.
Depending on the severity of the damage, symptoms can range from intermittent to constant. There are many other signs of nerve injury, such as muscles getting smaller, color change in the skin and changes to the amount of sweat being exerted.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hand Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries are often caused by being cut or putting excess pressure on the nerve and can lead to loss of sensation and function. Common risk factors of nerve injuries include:
- Repetitive use from work or other activities that put pressure or stretch the nerve.
- Individuals who are prone to falling.
- Certain illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and Guillain Barre Syndrome.
- A severe burn or cut to the hand or wrist.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hand Nerve Injuries
During your appointment, your provider can will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. They may diagnose a nerve injury with imaging tests, like X-ray, ultrasound, or an MRI to determine how severe the injury is. This will determine which treatment will follow. If the nerve is not entirely severed, your provider may recommend treatments such as:
- Resting the affected nerve.
- Physical therapy to reduce pain and prevent stiffness.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Brace or a splint.
In some cases, nerve injuries will require surgical treatment to restore the function of the affected area. Your provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. Some injuries can get better without help, but some injuries need to be repaired.
- Mild injuries to the nerve – the nerve can usually repair itself, either within minutes or weeks. During this time, messages between the hand and brain can be altered.
- Broken nerve fibers and severe injuries – the nerve may grow back but can take several weeks to months. Messages between the hand and brain are halted until nerves grow back. Surgery may be needed depending on the severity of the injury.
- Cut nerve – when the nerve is completely cut, surgery is typically needed to restore the nerve and allow it to heal correctly.
Preventing Hand Nerve Injuries
Although some nerve injuries are not preventable, there are many ways you can prevent nerve injuries, including:
- Using proper body mechanics when performing activities or working.
- Eliminate risks that may lead to falls or trips.
- Properly manage any health conditions that increase your risk of nerve injuries.
- Take breaks when performing repetitive activities.
If your pain lasts more than a week, is severe, or is progressively worsening, contact your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.