If you’re dealing with tingling, numbness, burning pain, or weakness in your forearm or wrist, you may be suffering from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and nerve entrapments. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma offers expert, compassionate care to help restore function and relief.
What are nerve-related conditions
that can affect the forearms & wrists?
The forearms and wrists are home to several nerves—the median, radial, and ulnar nerves—that travel through narrow anatomical passages and supply sensation and movement to the hand and fingers. These nerves can become compressed, irritated, or injured due to repetitive motion, trauma, or underlying health conditions. When these nerves are affected, they can lead to pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness that interfere with daily activities.
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the forearms:
- Radial tunnel syndrome from compression of the radial nerve near the elbow
- Pronator teres syndrome due to median nerve entrapment between forearm muscles
- Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome affecting motor function without sensory loss
- Ulnar nerve entrapment in the forearm causing weakness in grip and finger movement
- Repetitive strain injuries leading to chronic nerve irritation or inflammation
- Nerve injury from fractures, lacerations, or surgical trauma in the forearm
- Nerve scarring or neuroma formation following prior forearm surgery or injury
What are the signs & symptoms of forearm & wrist nerve dysfunction?
Nerve dysfunction in the forearm and wrist can significantly affect daily function, from gripping objects to performing fine motor tasks. These symptoms may come on gradually or after an injury, and they often reflect irritation or compression of one of the major nerves in the region. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers or hand
- Numbness in specific areas of the hand or forearm
- Burning or shooting pain radiating down the arm or into the hand
- Weakness when gripping, pinching, or lifting objects
- Muscle wasting in the forearm or hand over time
- Increased pain with repetitive wrist or hand movements
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature in affected areas
- Clumsiness or dropping objects unexpectedly
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the wrists include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from the compression of the median nerve
- Ulnar nerve entrapment at Guyon’s canal on the ulnar side of the wrist
- Radial sensory nerve irritation from trauma or tight wristwear
- Post-surgical nerve scarring following wrist procedures
- Repetitive motion injuries leading to nerve inflammation or compression
- Nerve compression due to cysts, arthritis, or thickened ligaments in the wrist
- Nerve trauma from fractures, sprains, or lacerations near the wrist
What are the treatments for forearm & wrist nerve dysfunction?
Treating nerve dysfunction in the forearm and wrist begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Sharma places strong emphasis on the physical exam to pinpoint the exact source of nerve compression or injury—often identifying problems that imaging alone can miss. Depending on the severity, chronicity, and underlying cause of your symptoms, Dr. Sharma will develop a customized treatment plan focused on restoring nerve function and relieving pain. Treatment options may include:
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments to reduce nerve strain
- Bracing or splinting to immobilize and protect the affected area
- Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve nerve-related swelling and pain
- Targeted physical therapy to improve nerve glide and strengthen surrounding muscles
- Nerve blocks or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Nerve decompression surgery to relieve pressure on compressed nerves
- Nerve repair or reconstruction in cases of injury or scarring
- Tendon transfers to restore movement in severe cases of nerve dysfunction
Why choose Dr. Sharma for forearm & wrist conditions?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating complex nerve conditions of the forearms and wrists. With over 600 nerve and pain surgeries performed annually, he is among the most experienced surgeons in the world in this highly specialized field. Dr. Sharma’s unique approach prioritizes a detailed physical exam and personalized treatment strategy to achieve optimal outcomes for each patient. His goal is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve quality of life.
Patients choose Dr. Sharma for:
- Expert diagnosis based on advanced physical examination techniques
- High-volume surgical experience with proven outcomes
- Specialized focus on nerve compression, injury, and dysfunction
- Minimally invasive surgical options, when appropriate
- Compassionate care from consultation through recovery
Schedule your consultation today to learn how Dr. Sharma can help restore comfort and function in your forearms and wrists.
