Hands

The hands have three nerves, the radial nerve, the median nerve, and the ulnar nerve. They are constantly in motion and are prone to damage such as pressure, stretching, compression, cutting, or from repetitive motions. The Atlas Institute proudly offers hand surgery in Denver to relieve nerve pain.

Woman getting her hand examined by a doctor

Hand Nerve Pain and Dysfunction

Nerve damage to the hand can lead to pain and dysfunction, which can impact the ability to work, play, or enjoy life. The first step in treating nerve conditions affecting the hand is comprehensive testing to pinpoint the underlying cause of the symptoms. At The Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care in Denver, you will be diagnosed and treated by leading hand nerve surgeons.

Symptoms of Hand Nerve Conditions

The nerves of the hand serve several functions, including motion, sensation, and the ability to grasp and hold. Several symptoms can indicate nerve damage in the hand, including:

Loss of sensation
Stabbing pains
Numbness
Sweating decreases or increases
Intense pain (neuralgia)
Loss of ability to hold or grasp objects
Tingling
Burning sensation
Phantom pains

Hand Nerve Conditions

Damage to the nerves of the hand can result in several conditions:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: A nerve disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.
Cubital tunnel syndrome: The ulnar nerve may be affected when the elbow has been injured, putting pressure on the nerve and affecting the motion and sensation of the hand and arm.
Peripheral neuropathy: Loss of hand function and sensation can occur over time, even years, or can appear suddenly. This condition can be triggered by diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, infections, or due to repetitive motions or pressure.
Pinched nerve: An injury or arthritis can lead to a nerve being constricted, with symptoms of numbness, tingling, or reduced function.
Ganglion cysts: These cysts develop in the joints, often in the wrist, and can put pressure on the nerves serving the wrist and hand.
Osteoarthritis: As the cartilage surrounding the joints breaks down, it leads to inflammation affecting the function of the nerves in the hands, affecting movement and function.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the joints are attacked by the immune system, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Trigger finger: This condition produces a sensation of the fingers locking or catching, pain or stiffness as a result of tendon inflammation.

Diagnosing Hand Nerve Conditions

The tests performed may include ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, CT scan, MR neurography, nerve conduction studies, or an EMG (electromyogram). You will be able to discuss your symptoms with a specialist who has extensive experience resolving a range of nerve conditions affecting hand motion, sensation, and function.

Treatments for Hand Nerve Dysfunction or Pain

The treatments for nerve dysfunction or pain in the hands will vary based on the cause of the symptoms. The first step is a diagnosis. At The Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care in Denver, our hand specialists will speak with you about your symptoms and perform a set of advanced tests to discover the actual source of the symptoms.

The true significance of the pain or dysfunction might not be recognized or believed by other providers as they are not equipped with the testing protocols necessary. With an accurate diagnosis and a directed treatment plan the pain and dysfunction can be decreased or resolved completely. At the Atlas Institute, we have advanced training in nerve-specific hand maladies and deliver the full spectrum of treatment, both surgical and non-surgical.

The Treatments Could Include:

Splinting
Icing
Physical therapy
Ultrasound guided injections
Steroid injections
Pain medication
Carpal tunnel release surgery
Nerve grafts
Neuroma excision
Nerve repair
Nerve transfer
Tendon transfer

Why Choose The Atlas Institute?

The Atlas Institute is a state-of-the-art nerve center with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technology. We deliver surgical and non-surgical solutions for hand nerve pain or dysfunction. We are focused purely on the technical aspects of surgery and other treatments. Our goal is to ensure our patients have their hand problems resolved and can function beautifully through thoughtful and meticulously performed surgery. With a custom-tailored treatment plan, hand pain, numbness, or loss of function be decreased or gone completely. Our nerve specialists have advanced training in nerve-specific maladies, and we deliver a full spectrum of treatments.