If you’re dealing with pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm or elbow, conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome, brachial neuritis, or radial nerve compression may be to blame. Dr. Ketan Sharma understands how these symptoms disrupt daily life and offers expert diagnosis and surgical treatment to help you heal.
What are nerve-related conditions
that affect the arms & elbows?
The arms and elbows are powered by a network of nerves branching from the brachial plexus, a complex system of nerves originating in the neck. These nerves—particularly the radial, median, and ulnar—travel through the shoulder, arm, and elbow to control sensation and movement in the forearm, wrist, and hand. Along their path, these nerves pass through narrow anatomical spaces and are vulnerable to compression, trauma, or inflammation. When disrupted, even slightly, they can lead to significant pain, weakness, or loss of function.
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the arms include:
- Brachial neuritis causing sudden shoulder or upper arm pain followed by weakness
- Pinched nerves in the neck or shoulder region affecting arm sensation and strength
- Ulnar nerve compression leading to tingling or numbness in the forearm and hand
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from median nerve compression near the wrist
- Radial nerve neuropathy affecting the ability to extend the wrist or fingers
- Thoracic outlet syndrome compressing nerves as they exit the neck and shoulder
- Nerve trauma from injury, repetitive use, or direct impact to the arm
What are the signs & symptoms of arm & elbow nerve dysfunction?
Nerve dysfunction in the arm or elbow can significantly impact your daily function. Whether from compression, injury, or inflammation, these issues often present with recognizable symptoms that should not be ignored. Common signs to watch for include:
- Numbness or tingling in the forearm, hand, or fingers
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the elbow or arm
- Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting or gripping objects
- Loss of coordination or fine motor control in the hand
- Sensation of the hand “falling asleep,” especially at night
- Pain that worsens with elbow flexion or pressure
- Visible muscle wasting in the hand or forearm
- Tenderness or aching around the elbow joint
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the elbows include:
- Ulnar nerve entrapment causing pain, tingling, or numbness near the inner elbow
- Cubital tunnel syndrome resulting from compression of the ulnar nerve within the elbow
- Ulnar nerve dysfunction impairing movement and sensation from the shoulder to the hand
- Radial tunnel syndrome from pressure on the radial nerve near the outer elbow
- Post-traumatic nerve injury leading to chronic elbow pain or weakness
- Nerve inflammation from overuse, arthritis, or anatomical abnormalities
What are the treatments for arm & elbow nerve dysfunction?
Diagnosing nerve dysfunction in the arm or elbow requires a careful, expert evaluation. Dr. Sharma specializes in hands-on physical exams—often more revealing than expensive imaging—to identify the exact nerve involved and the root cause of your symptoms. Once the diagnosis is clear, Dr. Sharma curates a personalized treatment plan that may include surgical or non-surgical options, always focused on restoring function and relieving pain. Depending on your specific condition, treatment may include:
- Surgical decompression to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve
- Nerve repair procedures such as grafting, transfers, or neuroma removal
- Joint denervation to reduce pain from the surrounding joint structures
- Ultrasound-guided nerve or tunnel injections to reduce inflammation
- Targeted medications to manage nerve pain or related inflammation
- Bracing or splinting to offload and protect the affected nerve
- Physical therapy to strengthen the arm and restore mobility
- Activity modifications to prevent repetitive stress or compression
Why choose Dr. Sharma for arm & elbow conditions?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced training in complex peripheral nerve conditions of the upper limb. With a background in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins and surgical training from Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Sharma is one of the most experienced nerve specialists in the world. He performs over 600 nerve and pain surgeries each year and is known for his precise diagnostic approach and exceptional outcomes, particularly in patients with chronic or unexplained arm and elbow pain.
Here’s why patients trust Dr. Sharma for arm and elbow care:
- Board-certified in hand surgery and nerve surgery
- Performs over 600 advanced nerve cases each year
- Specializes in treating complex or misdiagnosed nerve conditions
- Utilizes cutting-edge techniques for nerve repair and decompression
- Offers individualized treatment plans based on expert diagnosis
If you’re experiencing persistent arm or elbow pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma to get an expert diagnosis and start your path to recovery.
