The nerves in our hands transmit signals of sensation and muscle movement.
Nerves can get injured by cuts or crush inuries, or by compression by surrounding structures. Hand therapists can manage many common nerve injuries and so improve function and reduce pain.
Common Nerve Problems
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
At the junction between the forearm and the palm of the hand, 9 tendons and a nerve (the median nerve) pass through a tunnel formed by bones and a fibrous band.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve does not have enough space in the tunnel. Symptoms fluctuate and vary. The most common symptoms include tingling or pain in the palm and fingers that can radiate up the forearm. In some cases, weakness of the hand becomes a problem too.
Non-surgical treatment options can provide excellent results. Our therapists can give you the right advice.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This occurs if the ulnar nerve does not have enough space behind the inside of the elbow. Typical symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are tingling in the little and ring fingers when having the elbows bent for a while, and loss of grip strength and dexterity.
Nerve Lacerations
Some nerves in the hand and fingers lie very superficially under the skin. Small accidents can lead to a lacerated nerve, causing loss of skin sensation. Surgical repair is often needed in those cases. Our hand therapists can assist in post-surgical recovery to help achieve the best possible outcome.