Nerve Damage Treatment

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

Nerve Damage of the Hand

The hands are arguably the most used part of the human body. We rely on them for work, hobbies, feeding ourselves, and virtually every other daily activity. The nerves in our hands communicate with the brain, allowing us to feel and perform tasks with precision. Damage to these nerves can be particularly debilitating, resulting in severe pain, loss of sensation, and other serious issues.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage in the Hand

The primary symptom of nerve damage in the hand is a loss of sensation, which can be either partial or complete. This loss of sensation can prevent individuals from perceiving temperature and other normal feelings. Depending on the extent and nature of the injury, nerve damage can also cause:

  • Intense pain from a stretched or crushed nerve.
  • Complete loss of sensation and muscle weakness from a severed nerve.
  • Formation of painful scar tissue, known as a neuroma, if left untreated.

Early intervention from a qualified hand specialist is crucial to prevent these complications.

Causes of Nerve Damage in the Hand

The primary cause of nerve damage in the hand is physical injury. Crushing or stretching injuries may not sever nerves but can still significantly disrupt nerve communication between the hand and brain. Cutting injuries are more likely to sever nerves. Poorly performed surgical treatments can also result in nerve damage. At Hand Surgery Los Angeles, we often treat patients who experience numbness after hand surgery performed elsewhere.

Treatment Options for Nerve Damage in the Hand

The treatment for nerve damage in the hand depends on the severity and nature of the injury. An examination by a qualified physician is recommended to determine the best course of action. A consultation with one of our leading hand specialists at Hand Surgery Los Angeles will help identify the appropriate treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

When a nerve is stretched or crushed but not fully severed, it can often repair itself. Physical rehabilitation and therapy can aid and accelerate the healing process, making surgery unnecessary.

Surgical Treatment Options

Dr. Alex Neusner and Dr. Sean Younai at Hand Surgery Los Angeles offer advanced techniques in nerve repair and reconstruction. For fresh nerve injuries, the nerve can often be reconnected by suturing the protective sheath. For older injuries or those with extensive tissue loss, a conduit or graft may be used. Options include:

  • Nerve Grafts: Taken from the patient’s body where nerve supply is redundant or from cadaveric sources.
  • Nerve Conduits: Tubes, often made from the patient’s vein or synthetic materials, guide new nerve growth.
  • Nerve Transfers: For severe injuries, a functioning nerve is transferred to power the damaged nerve end.

Most nerve repair surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Top Los Angeles Hand Surgeons

If you are suffering from nerve damage in your hand or suspect you might be experiencing early symptoms, you are in the right place. Our doctors and surgeons at Hand Surgery Los Angeles are leaders in hand surgery in Los Angeles.

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