What are the common causes of a pinched nerve in the finger. How can you identify the symptoms of a pinched nerve. What are the most effective treatments for a pinched nerve in the finger. How can you prevent pinched nerves in your fingers.

Understanding Pinched Nerves in Fingers: An Overview

A pinched nerve in your finger can cause discomfort, pain, and limited mobility. While the term suggests the nerve is compressed within the finger itself, the root cause often lies elsewhere in the body. Pinched nerves affecting the fingers commonly originate in the wrist, arm, shoulder, or neck.

Pinched nerves occur when nerves are subjected to pressure, constriction, or stretching. This condition can result from various factors, including injuries, medical conditions like arthritis, or repetitive motions. Understanding the underlying causes and symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Types of Nerve Injuries Affecting Fingers

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition affecting the fingers. It occurs when the median nerve, which travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, experiences compression. This syndrome typically impacts the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

Who is at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome? Individuals who frequently engage in repetitive hand movements, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or performing carpentry work, are more susceptible to developing this condition. There may also be a genetic component, as those with a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome are at higher risk.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve, which runs from the shoulder to the hand. This condition primarily impacts the ring and pinkie fingers. It can occur due to direct pressure on the ulnar nerve or prolonged bending of the elbow, such as during sleep.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Radial tunnel syndrome causes pain when straightening the fingers, particularly affecting the back of the thumb and index finger. This condition results from pressure on the radial nerve near the elbow.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy, often referred to as a pinched nerve in the neck, can cause finger pain. This condition may stem from arthritis, aging, or injury to the cervical spine.

Recognizing Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in Fingers

Identifying the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your finger is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. Common signs include:

• Numbness or a burning sensation
• Tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling
• Sharp or aching pain
• Weakness in the affected fingers
• Difficulty gripping objects

Are symptoms of a pinched nerve more noticeable at certain times? Some individuals may experience increased discomfort at night, especially if they maintain a particular position for an extended period during sleep.

Diagnosing Pinched Nerves: Medical Evaluation and Tests

Accurate diagnosis of a pinched nerve in the finger requires a comprehensive medical evaluation. Your healthcare provider will likely follow these steps:

1. Physical examination
2. Discussion of symptoms and family medical history
3. Specific exercises or stretches to identify the source of discomfort
4. Diagnostic tests, which may include:
   • X-rays
   • MRI scans
   • EMG (Electromyography)
   • Ultrasound imaging

During the examination, your doctor may ask you to perform certain movements or apply resistance to your fingers. Your ability to complete these tasks and your description of any discomfort experienced will aid in the diagnostic process.

Effective Treatment Options for Pinched Nerves in Fingers

Treatment for a pinched nerve in the finger typically begins with conservative approaches. If symptoms persist or worsen, more advanced interventions may be necessary. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from deteriorating over time.

First-Line Treatments

• Rest and activity modification: Your doctor may recommend resting the affected area and adjusting your daily activities to reduce stress on the nerve.
• Over-the-counter medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility and strength in the affected area.
• Splinting or bracing: Wearing a splint or brace can help maintain proper positioning and reduce pressure on the affected nerve.

Advanced Treatment Options

If conservative treatments prove ineffective, your healthcare provider may recommend more advanced interventions:

• Prescription medications: Stronger pain relievers or corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage severe symptoms.
• Corticosteroid injections: These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected area.
• Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Preventing Pinched Nerves in Fingers: Lifestyle Modifications

Taking proactive steps to prevent pinched nerves in your fingers can help maintain hand health and function. Consider implementing these lifestyle modifications:

• Maintain proper posture when sitting and working
• Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks
• Use ergonomic equipment, such as ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads
• Perform hand and wrist stretches regularly
• Strengthen the muscles in your hands and forearms through targeted exercises
• Avoid sleeping in positions that put pressure on your arms or hands

Can dietary changes help prevent pinched nerves? While there’s no specific diet for preventing pinched nerves, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming anti-inflammatory foods may contribute to overall nerve health.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Finger Nerve Pain

While mild symptoms of a pinched nerve may resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain, numbness, or tingling
• Weakness in your hand or fingers that interferes with daily activities
• Symptoms that don’t improve with home remedies after a few weeks
• Sudden or severe onset of symptoms
• Symptoms accompanied by other concerning signs, such as fever or unexplained weight loss

Early intervention can prevent long-term nerve damage and improve treatment outcomes. Your healthcare provider can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity and cause of your symptoms.

Living with Pinched Nerve Symptoms: Coping Strategies

Managing the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your finger can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to improve your quality of life:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Use hot or cold therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation
• Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage, under the guidance of a healthcare professional
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to promote healing and reduce nighttime discomfort
• Stay active with low-impact exercises that don’t exacerbate your symptoms
• Join support groups or connect with others who have similar conditions for emotional support and practical advice

How can you adapt your workplace to accommodate pinched nerve symptoms? Consider discussing accommodations with your employer, such as adjustable workstations, voice-to-text software, or modified work schedules to reduce strain on your affected hand.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Therapies

While conventional medical treatments are the primary approach for managing pinched nerves, some individuals find relief through alternative and complementary therapies. These may include:

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Chiropractic care: Spinal adjustments may help relieve pressure on nerves, particularly for cervical radiculopathy.
• Massage therapy: Targeted massage can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the affected area.
• Yoga and tai chi: These practices can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
• Herbal supplements: Some herbs, such as turmeric or boswellia, may have anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit nerve health.

Is it safe to explore alternative therapies for pinched nerves? Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Pinched Nerves in Fingers

The prognosis for pinched nerves in fingers is generally favorable, especially with early intervention and appropriate treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms within a few weeks to months of starting treatment.

However, the long-term outlook can vary depending on several factors:

• The underlying cause of the pinched nerve
• The severity and duration of symptoms before treatment
• The individual’s overall health and lifestyle
• Adherence to treatment plans and preventive measures

In some cases, pinched nerves may recur or become chronic, requiring ongoing management. Working closely with your healthcare team and maintaining a proactive approach to your health can help optimize your long-term outcomes.

Can pinched nerves in fingers lead to permanent damage? While most pinched nerves resolve without lasting effects, prolonged compression or severe cases can potentially result in permanent nerve damage. This underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Advancements in Pinched Nerve Treatment: Emerging Therapies

Medical research continues to explore new and innovative treatments for pinched nerves. Some emerging therapies and areas of research include:

• Nerve gliding exercises: Specialized movements designed to improve nerve mobility and reduce adhesions
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Injections of concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood to promote healing
• Stem cell therapy: Experimental treatments using stem cells to regenerate damaged nerve tissue
• Advanced imaging techniques: Improved diagnostic tools for more accurate identification of nerve compression sites
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Refined procedures that offer faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications

While these treatments show promise, many are still in the research phase or have limited clinical evidence. As always, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and evidence-based treatments for your specific condition.

How might future advancements impact the treatment of pinched nerves in fingers? As research progresses, we may see more targeted and personalized treatment approaches, potentially leading to faster recovery times and improved long-term outcomes for individuals suffering from pinched nerves.

Pinched Nerve In Your Finger: Causes, Treatments, and More

A pinched nerve in your finger may cause symptoms like tingling, weakness, or pain. It’s unlikely the pinched nerve is actually in your finger, however.

The term pinched nerve indicates that one of your nerves is under pressure, injured, or damaged. There are several different nerves that may cause discomfort in your finger.

Treatments to ease pain for a pinched nerve in your finger are similar, and typically require noninvasive methods.

You may think of your back or neck when hearing the term pinched nerve, but it’s common for your fingers to be affected by a pinched nerve in your:

• wrist
• arm
• shoulder
• neck

This condition develops when a nerve is pressed on, constricted, or stretched. You may experience a pinched nerve because of injury, other medical conditions like arthritis, or repetitive motions.

There are several types of nerve injury that may cause uncomfortable symptoms in your fingers.

Carpel tunnel syndrome

This type of pinched nerve happens when pressure occurs on the nerve traveling through your carpal tunnel. You can experience symptoms of carpal tunnel in your:

• pointer finger
• middle finger
• ring finger
• thumb

Most people who experience this type of pinched nerve work with their hands a lot, such as using a computer, playing a musical instrument, or doing carpentry. You may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome if others in your family have it.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This occurs when your ulnar nerve experiences pressure or is stretched. It affects your ring and pinkie fingers.

You may experience this condition if you apply direct pressure to the ulnar nerve, which runs from your shoulder to your hand, or if you keep it bent too long, such as when sleeping.

Radial tunnel syndrome

You may experience pain if you straighten your fingers because of radial tunnel nerve syndrome. This may occur especially on the back of your thumb and on your index finger.

Your radial nerve may experience pressure near the elbow, causing symptoms in the finger.

Cervical radiculopathy

Finger pain can originate from cervical radiculopathy, which is a pinched nerve in the neck,. You may experience this condition because of arthritis, aging, or an injury.

Other nerve conditions

The pain in your fingers could be caused by other conditions that put pressure on your nerves, like:

• arthritis
• degenerating discs in your spine
• infections
• tumors
• changes to your spinal cord

You may also experience pressure in multiple places along the nerve, known as double crush.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve in your finger can vary, but you may experience:

• numbness
• burning feeling
• pins and needles feeling
• tingling
• pain, either sharp or aching
• weakness
• difficulty gripping with your fingers and hand

Sometimes you may experience more symptoms at night if your body holds a certain position for too long while you are sleeping.

If you have radial tunnel syndrome, you’ll experience weakness and dull, aching pain, and possibly a “pins and needles” feeling.

With so many different nerve conditions that can cause symptoms in your finger, you will need to consider your symptoms closely to identify the cause.

Certain conditions cause symptoms in specific fingers. For example, thumb pain may be more likely caused by carpel tunnel syndrome. Pain in your pinkie finger may be caused by cubital tunnel syndrome. Pain occurring in your finger as well as your wrists, elbows, and shoulder may be radial tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.

Seeing your doctor may help diagnose the discomfort in your finger. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and discuss your symptoms and family history before proceeding with other testing.

Your doctor may ask you to perform certain exercises or stretches to identify the source of the symptoms.

For carpal tunnel syndrome, your healthcare provider may ask you to bend your wrist for a short time. Your doctor may ask you to move your fingers when applying resistance. Your ability to do these exercises and your description of how you feel when doing them may help with the diagnosis.

The doctor may also conduct tests to diagnose the cause of the symptoms. These may include:

• X-ray
• MRI
• EMG
• ultrasound

There are many ways to treat a pinched nerve causing discomfort in your finger. Your doctor may recommend some conservative, first-line approaches to start treating the pinched nerve.

If your symptoms don’t improve, you may want to consider higher levels of treatment like certain medications or even surgery.

It is important to treat the pinched nerve early to avoid symptoms from worsening over time.

First-line treatments

• Rest and modified activity. Your doctor may tell you to modify your behaviors and rest the area of the pinched nerve.
• Over-the-counter medications. You may want to try a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve) to relieve pain and discomfort in your fingers.
• Physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend that you meet with a physical therapist who will give you certain exercises and stretches to do near the source of your pinched nerve. These may help stretch the nerve or may help you modify your movements.
• Splints or braces. Wearing protective splints or braces that restrict your movement may help calm the area surrounding of your pinched nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Prescription medications

• Corticosteroids. Your doctor may recommend corticosteroids to treat symptoms caused by a pinched nerve. You may be prescribed an oral medication, or your doctor may inject the corticosteroid near the pinched nerve. This type of medication targets inflammation and pain.
• Narcotics. In the case of cervical radiculopathy, your doctor may prescribe a short-term use of narcotics to relieve pain if the pain can’t be controlled using other methods.

Surgery

If all other treatments fail to relive symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery on the area surrounding the pinched nerve. Surgery can involve moving the nerve or the surrounding tissue to relieve pressure from compressing the nerve.

For carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may focus on releasing pressure from the ligament that puts pressure on your nerve.

You can try to treat your pinched nerve at home using the following methods:

• Massage the area that feels discomfort using light strokes with the fingers of your other hand.
• Apply ice or heat to your fingers or other areas affected by the pinched nerve.
• Keep your arm and fingers elevated a bit when lying down with a pillow.
• Try stretches and exercises that target the affected area.
• Avoid doing anything repetitive with your fingers for too long without a break.
• Train your other hand to complete tasks that you would normally do with the hand experiencing discomfort.
• Make sure equipment you use with your hands is sized appropriately to your body, and that your workspace allows you to complete tasks with your fingers, hands, and wrists in a comfortable and natural position.

You may want to try a few stretches at home to relieve symptoms if your finger discomfort is caused by a pinched nerve. Be careful not to overwork your nerves by limiting the number of times you conduct the stretch each day.

One way to address cubital tunnel syndrome is to stretch your nerves with nerve gliding.

Try this:

• Stick your arm straight out to the side.
• Flex your hand with fingers up toward ceiling.
• Bend your elbow, bringing bent wrist up toward head.
• Repeat a few times.

Was this helpful?

For carpal tunnel syndrome, you can do a slightly different stretch.

Try this:

• Stretch your wrist by lengthening your arm, pointing your hand and fingers up toward the sky.
• Pull gently on your fingers with your other hand for 15 seconds.
• You can do this a few times on each hand daily.

Was this helpful?

You should see a doctor if your pinched nerve is causing symptoms in your fingers or other areas of your body for a prolonged length of time, and if you don’t have any success finding relief on your own. Also see a doctor if the symptoms impact your day-to-day life.

You may experience discomfort in your fingers because of a pinched nerve near your:

• wrist
• elbow
• shoulder
• neck

Talk to your doctor about treatment methods, and try to begin treating the symptoms as soon as they occur to avoid worsening your condition. You can try several treatments at home to reduce symptoms or your doctor may recommend higher-level treatments for severe cases.

Pinched Nerve In Your Finger: Causes, Treatments, and More

A pinched nerve in your finger may cause symptoms like tingling, weakness, or pain. It’s unlikely the pinched nerve is actually in your finger, however.

The term pinched nerve indicates that one of your nerves is under pressure, injured, or damaged. There are several different nerves that may cause discomfort in your finger.

Treatments to ease pain for a pinched nerve in your finger are similar, and typically require noninvasive methods.

You may think of your back or neck when hearing the term pinched nerve, but it’s common for your fingers to be affected by a pinched nerve in your:

• wrist
• arm
• shoulder
• neck

This condition develops when a nerve is pressed on, constricted, or stretched. You may experience a pinched nerve because of injury, other medical conditions like arthritis, or repetitive motions.

There are several types of nerve injury that may cause uncomfortable symptoms in your fingers.

Carpel tunnel syndrome

This type of pinched nerve happens when pressure occurs on the nerve traveling through your carpal tunnel. You can experience symptoms of carpal tunnel in your:

• pointer finger
• middle finger
• ring finger
• thumb

Most people who experience this type of pinched nerve work with their hands a lot, such as using a computer, playing a musical instrument, or doing carpentry. You may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome if others in your family have it.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This occurs when your ulnar nerve experiences pressure or is stretched. It affects your ring and pinkie fingers.

You may experience this condition if you apply direct pressure to the ulnar nerve, which runs from your shoulder to your hand, or if you keep it bent too long, such as when sleeping.

Radial tunnel syndrome

You may experience pain if you straighten your fingers because of radial tunnel nerve syndrome. This may occur especially on the back of your thumb and on your index finger.

Your radial nerve may experience pressure near the elbow, causing symptoms in the finger.

Cervical radiculopathy

Finger pain can originate from cervical radiculopathy, which is a pinched nerve in the neck,. You may experience this condition because of arthritis, aging, or an injury.

Other nerve conditions

The pain in your fingers could be caused by other conditions that put pressure on your nerves, like:

• arthritis
• degenerating discs in your spine
• infections
• tumors
• changes to your spinal cord

You may also experience pressure in multiple places along the nerve, known as double crush.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve in your finger can vary, but you may experience:

• numbness
• burning feeling
• pins and needles feeling
• tingling
• pain, either sharp or aching
• weakness
• difficulty gripping with your fingers and hand

Sometimes you may experience more symptoms at night if your body holds a certain position for too long while you are sleeping.

If you have radial tunnel syndrome, you’ll experience weakness and dull, aching pain, and possibly a “pins and needles” feeling.

With so many different nerve conditions that can cause symptoms in your finger, you will need to consider your symptoms closely to identify the cause.

Certain conditions cause symptoms in specific fingers. For example, thumb pain may be more likely caused by carpel tunnel syndrome. Pain in your pinkie finger may be caused by cubital tunnel syndrome. Pain occurring in your finger as well as your wrists, elbows, and shoulder may be radial tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.

Seeing your doctor may help diagnose the discomfort in your finger. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and discuss your symptoms and family history before proceeding with other testing.

Your doctor may ask you to perform certain exercises or stretches to identify the source of the symptoms.

For carpal tunnel syndrome, your healthcare provider may ask you to bend your wrist for a short time. Your doctor may ask you to move your fingers when applying resistance. Your ability to do these exercises and your description of how you feel when doing them may help with the diagnosis.

The doctor may also conduct tests to diagnose the cause of the symptoms. These may include:

• X-ray
• MRI
• EMG
• ultrasound

There are many ways to treat a pinched nerve causing discomfort in your finger. Your doctor may recommend some conservative, first-line approaches to start treating the pinched nerve.

If your symptoms don’t improve, you may want to consider higher levels of treatment like certain medications or even surgery.

It is important to treat the pinched nerve early to avoid symptoms from worsening over time.

First-line treatments

• Rest and modified activity. Your doctor may tell you to modify your behaviors and rest the area of the pinched nerve.
• Over-the-counter medications. You may want to try a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve) to relieve pain and discomfort in your fingers.
• Physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend that you meet with a physical therapist who will give you certain exercises and stretches to do near the source of your pinched nerve. These may help stretch the nerve or may help you modify your movements.
• Splints or braces. Wearing protective splints or braces that restrict your movement may help calm the area surrounding of your pinched nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Prescription medications

• Corticosteroids. Your doctor may recommend corticosteroids to treat symptoms caused by a pinched nerve. You may be prescribed an oral medication, or your doctor may inject the corticosteroid near the pinched nerve. This type of medication targets inflammation and pain.
• Narcotics. In the case of cervical radiculopathy, your doctor may prescribe a short-term use of narcotics to relieve pain if the pain can’t be controlled using other methods.

Surgery

If all other treatments fail to relive symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery on the area surrounding the pinched nerve. Surgery can involve moving the nerve or the surrounding tissue to relieve pressure from compressing the nerve.

For carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may focus on releasing pressure from the ligament that puts pressure on your nerve.

You can try to treat your pinched nerve at home using the following methods:

• Massage the area that feels discomfort using light strokes with the fingers of your other hand.
• Apply ice or heat to your fingers or other areas affected by the pinched nerve.
• Keep your arm and fingers elevated a bit when lying down with a pillow.
• Try stretches and exercises that target the affected area.
• Avoid doing anything repetitive with your fingers for too long without a break.
• Train your other hand to complete tasks that you would normally do with the hand experiencing discomfort.
• Make sure equipment you use with your hands is sized appropriately to your body, and that your workspace allows you to complete tasks with your fingers, hands, and wrists in a comfortable and natural position.

You may want to try a few stretches at home to relieve symptoms if your finger discomfort is caused by a pinched nerve. Be careful not to overwork your nerves by limiting the number of times you conduct the stretch each day.

One way to address cubital tunnel syndrome is to stretch your nerves with nerve gliding.

Try this:

• Stick your arm straight out to the side.
• Flex your hand with fingers up toward ceiling.
• Bend your elbow, bringing bent wrist up toward head.
• Repeat a few times.

Was this helpful?

For carpal tunnel syndrome, you can do a slightly different stretch.

Try this:

• Stretch your wrist by lengthening your arm, pointing your hand and fingers up toward the sky.
• Pull gently on your fingers with your other hand for 15 seconds.
• You can do this a few times on each hand daily.

Was this helpful?

You should see a doctor if your pinched nerve is causing symptoms in your fingers or other areas of your body for a prolonged length of time, and if you don’t have any success finding relief on your own. Also see a doctor if the symptoms impact your day-to-day life.

You may experience discomfort in your fingers because of a pinched nerve near your:

• wrist
• elbow
• shoulder
• neck

Talk to your doctor about treatment methods, and try to begin treating the symptoms as soon as they occur to avoid worsening your condition. You can try several treatments at home to reduce symptoms or your doctor may recommend higher-level treatments for severe cases.

Injuries to the nerves of the upper and lower extremities (peripheral nerves)

Damage to the nerves of the upper and lower extremities, unfortunately, is one of the most common and severe types of injuries that can radically change the quality and lifestyle of a person, both in everyday household and professional environments. A significant number of diagnostic, tactical and technical errors in everyday medical clinical practice, unfortunately, lead to complete or partial disability of the patient, often force patients to change their profession, and become the cause of disability.

Causes of peripheral nerve injuries

Peripheral nerve injuries are divided into closed and open.

• Closed injuries: as a result of compression of the soft tissues of the arm or leg, for example, due to improper application of a tourniquet during bleeding, as a result of a severe bruise or blow, prolonged forced position of the limb with pressure from the outside, as a result of bone fractures. As a rule, a complete interruption of the nerve in such cases is not observed, so the outcome is usually favorable. In some cases, for example, with dislocations of the bones of the hand, dislocation of the foot or a large joint, closed fractures of the bones of the limbs with displacement of fragments, a complete break in the nerve trunk or even several nerves may occur.
• Open injuries are the result of injuries from glass fragments, a knife, sheet metal, mechanical tools, etc. In this case, damage to the integrity of the nerve structure always occurs.

Unfortunately, often nerve damage is a consequence of surgical interventions.

The upcoming changes are manifested depending on the level of nerve damage, the nature of the injury or the duration of exposure to the traumatic agent by various functional disorder syndromes.

Clinical picture

In case of closed injuries in case of bruise (contusion) or concussion of the nerve, no changes in the internal structure of the nerve trunk occur, disturbances in the sensitivity and function of the limb are temporary, transient and, as a rule, completely reversible. Violations of functions in case of bruising are deeper and more persistent, however, after 1-2 months, their complete recovery is noted. Nevertheless, the consequences of such injuries cannot be ignored, self-diagnosis and treatment are unacceptable, since the consequences of “self-treatment” may be irreversible. It is necessary to immediately contact a traumatologist, surgeon, neurologist. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional studies, to clarify the degree of nerve damage – electromyography, ultrasound – a study along the nerve trunk, sometimes even CT and MRI studies. Only a qualified doctor will prescribe you adequate treatment.

Open injuries of peripheral nerves . The fibers of all peripheral nerves of the mixed type are motor, sensory and autonomic fibers, the quantitative ratios between these types of fibers are not the same in different nerves, therefore, in some cases, motor disorders are more pronounced, in others there is a decrease or complete absence of sensitivity, in the third – autonomic disorders.

Movement disorders are characterized by paralysis of groups or individual muscles, accompanied by the disappearance of reflexes, as well as over time (1-2 weeks after injury) atrophy of paralyzed muscles.

Sensitivity disorders occur – decrease, disappearance of pain, temperature, tactile sensitivity. Pain that worsens in a delayed manner.

Vegetative symptoms – in the first period after injury, the skin is hot and red, after a few weeks it becomes bluish and cold (vasomotor disorders), edema, sweating disorders, trophic skin disorders – dryness, peeling, sometimes even ulceration, deformation of the nails.

Upper limb

In case of injury of the upper part (third) of the shoulder and the upper third of the forearm, the radial nerve is most often affected – the hand hangs down, it is impossible to extend it and the main phalanges of the fingers (“seal’s paw”), the fingers hang down like a gel, it is impossible to abduct the thumb .. Sensory disorders are expressed weaker – a zone of decrease or loss of sensitivity of the back surface of the shoulder and forearm and the back surface of the hand 2 fingers without terminal phalanges. Swelling of the brush.

If the median nerve is damaged, there is no flexion of the thumb (I), index (II), and partly of the middle (III) fingers, it is impossible to turn the hand, oppose and abduct the thumb, which is in the same plane with the rest of the fingers (“monkey’s paw”). Reduction of all types of sensitivity (hypesthesia) on the side of the palm (3 fingers) and the terminal phalanges of II, III, IV (ring) fingers on the back of the palm. Pain and pronounced vegetative manifestations are characteristic.

Injury to the ulnar nerve leads to impaired flexion of the IV, V (little finger) fingers, adduction and separation of all fingers; V, IV, partly III fingers are unbent in the main and bent in the middle phalanges (“clawed paw”). Pronounced atrophy of the interosseous muscles (“hand of the skeleton”). Sensitivity is upset on the ulnar half of the hand, V and half of the IV finger.

When the axillary nerve is injured, it is impossible to abduct the shoulder, there is atrophy of the deltoid muscle, impaired sensitivity in the outer-posterior surface of the shoulder. The defeat of the musculocutaneous nerve excludes the possibility of simultaneous extension of the forearm and supination of the hand.

On the lower limb

If the common trunk of the sciatic nerve in the upper half of the thigh is affected, flexion and extension of the foot and fingers are lost. The foot hangs down, you can not stand on your toes and heels. Sensory disorders are present on the foot and back of the leg. Vegetative disorders, trophic foot ulcers are typical. Damage to the tibial nerve leads to the disappearance of flexion of the foot and fingers. The foot is extended, the fingers are in a claw-like position. Sensitivity is disturbed on the back and non-external surface of the lower leg, sole and outer edge of the foot. Expressed vegetative disorders – pain syndrome. Lack of sensitivity is present on the anteroinferior surface of the lower leg.

Here is a brief description of the disorders resulting from injuries of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. A full clinical diagnosis of nerve damage is, of course, more complex, and is performed by a doctor using additional research methods.

Treatment

In case of closed injuries, as a rule, conservative treatment is carried out lasting about 1-2 months, consisting of physiotherapeutic effects (massage, physiotherapy, electro-gymnastics, thermal procedures, ozocerite, paraffin, diathermy, iontophoresis, etc. .), the use of medications (Dibazol, Prozevin), which contribute to the regeneration of the nerve and, as a result, the restoration of lost functions and sensitivity. It is also necessary to use drugs that relieve pain – analgesics. It is very important to give the limb the correct position and ensure peace with the help of splints and other fixing devices.

In case of insufficient effectiveness of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is resorted to after 4-6 months from the date of injury.

Surgical treatment

Experience in the treatment of patients with nerve injuries shows that the earlier a reconstructive operation is performed, the more promising is the possibility of restoring lost functions. Nerve surgery is indicated in all cases of impaired conduction along the nerve trunk (according to electromyography studies).

The most favorable time for intervention is considered to be up to 3 months from the date of injury and 2-3 weeks after wound healing, but even in a later period, operations on the damaged nerve are not contraindicated. In case of damage to the nerves of the hand, the optimal period for restoring their integrity is no more than 3-6 months after the injury. In this case, the chances of a favorable outcome of treatment are high. We perform the following types of surgery: epineural suture of the damaged nerve, in some cases or if necessary, with the use of gluing with a special fibrin-based adhesive manufactured by BAXTER TISSUKOL. If there is a defect in the tissue of the nerve trunk, a nerve plastic is performed with an autograft.

Incomplete interruption, compression of the nerve trunk after bruised and lacerated wounds or severe combined injuries of the extremities contributes to the development of a diffuse cicatricial process leading to the formation of a cicatricial stricture that compresses the nerve trunk and leads to impaired conduction along the nerve. In this situation, neurolysis is performed – gentle excision of scarred tissues and scars of the epineurium, which eliminates axon compression and improves blood supply to the nerve and restores conductivity in this area. All surgical interventions on peripheral nerves are performed using microsurgical techniques.

The microsurgical technique used in operations to restore peripheral nerves allows you to create optimal anatomical conditions (exact alignment of the ends of the nerve with its subsequent suturing) for a complete restoration of nerve function.

Make an appointment with a surgeon

Be sure to consult a qualified specialist in the field of hand surgery at the Semeynaya clinic.

To clarify the prices for a surgeon’s appointment or other questions, follow the link below

Clinical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Appointment with a traumatologist-orthopedist of the Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics GUTA CLINIC

A pinched median nerve can cause numbness in the fingers. This pathology is called tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, middle and index fingers on the hand. Swelling and compression lead to disorders that are manifested by symptoms such as tingling and burning sensations, numbness, night pains, general weakness, and in advanced cases, atrophy of the muscles of the hand.

For the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several methods, depending on the severity of the case. Specialists of GUTA CLINIC will help you choose the right one for you.

Conservative treatment

Home help

If you need to relieve pain, apply ice to your wrist for 10-15 minutes. If that doesn’t work, dip your hand into 37°C water and gently flex and extend your wrist. Finally, let your hand rest for a few days. This helps to relieve pain for a short time, but will not eliminate its cause.

Orthosis

In the early stages of the disease, a doctor may prescribe a wrist brace. It takes time for you to feel the improvement: the effect becomes noticeable after 3-4 weeks. It is worth wearing a brace during the day when you are doing aggravating work, and at night (most people bend their wrist during sleep, which aggravates symptoms).

Steroids

Steroid hormones may be prescribed to reduce pain and reduce swelling. Sometimes they are prescribed in the form of tablets, but more often the doctor prescribes injections in the wrist. This gives temporary relief, but does not eliminate the cause.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy

Exercise can help in a number of ways. The exercises strengthen and stretch the muscles in the arms and wrists. They can help you learn how to move in ways that reduce stress on your hands and wrists. This can be useful when it comes to tasks related to work or hobbies.

Surgical treatment

If other treatments have not worked, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are two main types:

• in open surgery, the surgeon makes a small hole that runs from the wrist to the palm.

• in endoscopic surgery, two smaller holes are pierced and a miniature camera is used to monitor the progress of the operation.

In both cases, your doctor cuts the ligament above the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve and relieve symptoms. After the procedure, the ligament fuses again, but there is more room for the nerve.

Both operations give similar results. In most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome heals and does not come back.

Cost of services

• Removal of periarticular formations of soft tissues (hygromas, etc.) 1st category

  12900 rubles

• Removal of periarticular formations of soft tissues (hygromas, etc.