Hand & Wrist Nerve Conditions
Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the hand, wrist or fingers.
Nerve conditions affecting the hand and wrist occur when a nerve becomes compressed, irritated or injured. These conditions can cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness and loss of hand function, making everyday activities such as typing, gripping objects or buttoning clothing more difficult. At Summa Health Orthopedic Institute, our hand and wrist specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of nerve conditions to help relieve symptoms and restore function.
Causes of Hand & Wrist Nerve Conditions
Nerve compression or injury can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly after trauma. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Prolonged pressure on a nerve
- Fractures or other injuries to the hand, wrist or elbow
- Swelling or inflammation around a nerve
- Arthritis or bone spurs that narrow nerve pathways
- Diabetes and other medical conditions that affect nerve health
- Pregnancy or other conditions that cause fluid retention
Identifying the source of nerve compression is essential for developing the most effective treatment plan and preventing permanent nerve damage.
Hand & Wrist Nerve Condition Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the affected nerve but commonly include:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, hand or wrist
- Pain that may radiate into the hand, forearm or elbow
- Weakness or decreased grip strength
- Difficulty holding or grasping objects
- Burning or "pins and needles" sensations
- Symptoms that worsen at night or with repetitive activities
- Clumsiness or loss of fine motor coordination
Without treatment, some nerve conditions can progress, leading to permanent weakness or loss of sensation.
Common Hand & Wrist Nerve Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. It commonly causes numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.
Risk factors include:
- Anatomy: smaller carpal tunnels or bone fracture, dislocation or deformity
- Gender: More common in females
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, thyroid conditions and kidney failure can increase your risk
Symptoms of carpal tunnel usually start gradually and include tingling or numbness, weakness and pain. To help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, you should minimize the stress you place on your hands and wrists.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes behind the elbow through the cubital tunnel. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness that extends into the ring and little fingers. Left untreated, the condition can affect grip strength and make everyday activities more difficult.
Risk factors include:
- Frequent elbow bending: Repetitive bending or keeping the elbow bent for long periods, such as while sleeping or talking on the phone
- Pressure on the elbow: Leaning on the elbow for extended periods
- Anatomy or injury: Bone spurs, fractures, dislocations or other changes that place pressure on the ulnar nerve
- Repetitive activities: Work or sports that involve repeated elbow motion
Symptoms for cubital tunnel syndrome often develop gradually and may include numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, hand weakness, decreased grip strength, pain along the inside of the elbow and difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothing or typing.
Treatments for Hand & Wrist Nerve Conditions
Treatment depends on the specific condition, the severity of symptoms and how long they have been present. Your orthopedic specialist may recommend:
- Activity modification
- Wrist or elbow splints
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections for select conditions
- Hand therapy or physical therapy
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Ergonomic modifications at work or home
- Surgery to relieve nerve compression when conservative treatments are no longer effective
Meet Our Hand, Wrist and Elbow Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our hand, wrist and elbow team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating these conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients get back to their daily activities.